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White Oak River: A Story of Slavery's Secrets
After giving birth to a son with dominant African traits, a white Southern enslaver must decide if she’ll hold onto her bigotry at the cost of her heart.
When Caroline Gibson marries the Reverend John Mattocks, she leaves behind her privileged life, which she finds easier than leaving behind her prejudices. While she’s content being served, John lives to serve others. Scorning his family’s wealth and long-held practice of owning slaves, he chooses to follow his conscience, becoming an abolitionist preacher. But after Caroline gives birth to a son of African heritage, they both must face their vastly different beliefs. Their marriage mirrors the Civil War’s failure to create a changed society, the turmoil not only leaving the nation in despair but their relationship as well. Can their love find deeper roots in forgiveness and acceptance?
This dramatic story of love, faith, family bonds, and discrimination is based on true events of the author’s great-great-great-grandparents in coastal North Carolina.
When Caroline Gibson marries the Reverend John Mattocks, she leaves behind her privileged life, which she finds easier than leaving behind her prejudices. While she’s content being served, John lives to serve others. Scorning his family’s wealth and long-held practice of owning slaves, he chooses to follow his conscience, becoming an abolitionist preacher. But after Caroline gives birth to a son of African heritage, they both must face their vastly different beliefs. Their marriage mirrors the Civil War’s failure to create a changed society, the turmoil not only leaving the nation in despair but their relationship as well. Can their love find deeper roots in forgiveness and acceptance?
This dramatic story of love, faith, family bonds, and discrimination is based on true events of the author’s great-great-great-grandparents in coastal North Carolina.
361 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 28, 2021
330 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
Ora Smith
10 books66 followersGet to know Ora, receive a free ebook, and sign up for her newsletter at www.orasmith.com
Ora Smith’s one of those people who always has a project she’s excited about. She’s an author, artist, genealogist, seamstress, lover of a good book, traveler, antiquer, upcycler, and history buff. Although she’s lived in Arizona since 1986, she spent her early life in Lake Tahoe, California, where her passion to write blossomed on a tranquil riverbank with a beautiful backdrop of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
As a genealogist, she spent thirty-plus years researching family histories. With her historical “Heritage Fiction” novels for both adult and young adult, she’s made a niche in writing about ancestors, creating fascinating stories based on true events. She loves nothing better than to be whisked off to past eras to meet those whose lives are worth sharing.
As an author and artist, Ora creates faith inspired stories and children’s books. She writes and illustrates her picture book Stories of Light series, hoping to help children understand what the Light of Christ can mean to them. Watch for her release of The Son and Sun: An Amazing Story of Light in early 2025.
Although she writes on many subjects, she’s sure you’ll find in her writings a book that’s meant just for you.
Ora Smith’s one of those people who always has a project she’s excited about. She’s an author, artist, genealogist, seamstress, lover of a good book, traveler, antiquer, upcycler, and history buff. Although she’s lived in Arizona since 1986, she spent her early life in Lake Tahoe, California, where her passion to write blossomed on a tranquil riverbank with a beautiful backdrop of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
As a genealogist, she spent thirty-plus years researching family histories. With her historical “Heritage Fiction” novels for both adult and young adult, she’s made a niche in writing about ancestors, creating fascinating stories based on true events. She loves nothing better than to be whisked off to past eras to meet those whose lives are worth sharing.
As an author and artist, Ora creates faith inspired stories and children’s books. She writes and illustrates her picture book Stories of Light series, hoping to help children understand what the Light of Christ can mean to them. Watch for her release of The Son and Sun: An Amazing Story of Light in early 2025.
Although she writes on many subjects, she’s sure you’ll find in her writings a book that’s meant just for you.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
March 1, 2022
Ora Smith writes heritage fiction, which means the main characters are real and were her ancestors. White Oak River tells the story of Caroline Gibson, the author’s great-great-great-grandmother, a privileged young white woman from antebellum, coastal North Carolina. Caroline has always had slaves to dress her and care for her, but when she falls in love with the abolitionist Reverend John Mattocks, she must learn to fend for herself. The story includes the difficulties southerners faced during the Civil War and the post war rebuilding, but the true turmoil in her life happens when she gives birth to a son who shows evidence of African heritage. Having to face her prejudices and those of her family and society nearly tears her and her marriage apart. But Ora is also a Christian writer, and her characters find solace and strength in God to do the right thing for their dark-skinned son.
White Oak River is not history. Smith had to add fictitious characters in where names have been lost to time. She had to also flesh out the settings and some events. But it is a compelling story that will help readers understand the mindset and difficulties of southerners during this important historical period. What Caroline had to endure is heartbreaking. The fact that her story is based on real life makes it even more so. The pictures and historical information included in the back of this book bring an added layer of poignancy to the story.
White Oak River is not history. Smith had to add fictitious characters in where names have been lost to time. She had to also flesh out the settings and some events. But it is a compelling story that will help readers understand the mindset and difficulties of southerners during this important historical period. What Caroline had to endure is heartbreaking. The fact that her story is based on real life makes it even more so. The pictures and historical information included in the back of this book bring an added layer of poignancy to the story.
May 12, 2021
One of the very best books I have read
This is a based on fact story of Caroline a former socialite and John a pastor and Spicy and Junior, slaves with a very special place in the lives of Caroline and John. These are the main characters and they are very nice to get to know! The redemption and finally faith in one is truly beautiful. I could go on and on I loved this book so much! Civil War background! I suggest you read it!
This is a based on fact story of Caroline a former socialite and John a pastor and Spicy and Junior, slaves with a very special place in the lives of Caroline and John. These are the main characters and they are very nice to get to know! The redemption and finally faith in one is truly beautiful. I could go on and on I loved this book so much! Civil War background! I suggest you read it!
January 21, 2024
A Solid, Satisfying Read
My earliest introduction to the American Civil War was a television show (1959 – 1961, 76 episodes; black and white) called “The Rebel” which starred Nick Adams as a Confederate States army veteran who has survived the fiercest battles and now lives a kind of nomadic life riding through the American West, armed with an iconic sawed-off shotgun, and fighting injustice.
White Oak River takes place in North Carolina, in a locale where the reader gets immersed in the privileged life of a young woman, Caroline Gibson, born into a plantation family. Her family owns slaves and she shares in the belief that those with black skin are fortunate to be in the service of landowners who care for them, provide them with a purpose in life (working the fields; tending to white men and women). Slaves do all of the cooking and cleaning, help their mistresses get dressed in the complex layers of clothing, corsets, and hoops that southern society takes for granted when it comes to white women, and forbidden to look their masters in the eye. It is understood that slaves are intellectually inferior, and unworthy of any attempts to provide education. Slave couples are not considered married, and any children belong to the plantation owners. One or both parents could be sold off to the owners of other plantations, and would have no rights regarding the children left behind.
Male owners of slaves in previous generations have fathered children through the rape of female slaves, and the bloodlines of future generations carry the genetic identifiers of both races.
Caroline marries a young preacher who clearly cannot provide Caroline with the expected necessities of her privileged way of life. And unknown to Caroline, Reverend John Mattocks is an active abolitionist.
John and Caroline soon have a daughter a son dies at birth, and a third pregnancy coincides with the outbreak of war between Union and Confederate armies.
John must travel long distances as part of his role of pastor, and later, as a civilian chaplain to the Confederate forces. Caroline feels abandoned, as she must now do work that originally was the role of her slaves. Alone, her small home is ravaged by retreating Confederate forces, and again by pursuing Union troops.
Against this background, the relationship between Caroline and John is tested to the breaking point.
The author, Ora Smith, spent 20 years researching the history behind her great-great-great-grandparents and this story of Caroline and John is a masterpiece of storytelling based on that research.
These days I read almost exclusively within the genres of science fiction, space opera, thrillers, and technothrillers. White Oak River, initially, seemed the antithesis of those genres. And I was hooked on the first page of the introductory chapter, and the last sentence of this four-page introduction to the novel was a jaw-dropper.
My earliest introduction to the American Civil War was a television show (1959 – 1961, 76 episodes; black and white) called “The Rebel” which starred Nick Adams as a Confederate States army veteran who has survived the fiercest battles and now lives a kind of nomadic life riding through the American West, armed with an iconic sawed-off shotgun, and fighting injustice.
White Oak River takes place in North Carolina, in a locale where the reader gets immersed in the privileged life of a young woman, Caroline Gibson, born into a plantation family. Her family owns slaves and she shares in the belief that those with black skin are fortunate to be in the service of landowners who care for them, provide them with a purpose in life (working the fields; tending to white men and women). Slaves do all of the cooking and cleaning, help their mistresses get dressed in the complex layers of clothing, corsets, and hoops that southern society takes for granted when it comes to white women, and forbidden to look their masters in the eye. It is understood that slaves are intellectually inferior, and unworthy of any attempts to provide education. Slave couples are not considered married, and any children belong to the plantation owners. One or both parents could be sold off to the owners of other plantations, and would have no rights regarding the children left behind.
Male owners of slaves in previous generations have fathered children through the rape of female slaves, and the bloodlines of future generations carry the genetic identifiers of both races.
Caroline marries a young preacher who clearly cannot provide Caroline with the expected necessities of her privileged way of life. And unknown to Caroline, Reverend John Mattocks is an active abolitionist.
John and Caroline soon have a daughter a son dies at birth, and a third pregnancy coincides with the outbreak of war between Union and Confederate armies.
John must travel long distances as part of his role of pastor, and later, as a civilian chaplain to the Confederate forces. Caroline feels abandoned, as she must now do work that originally was the role of her slaves. Alone, her small home is ravaged by retreating Confederate forces, and again by pursuing Union troops.
Against this background, the relationship between Caroline and John is tested to the breaking point.
The author, Ora Smith, spent 20 years researching the history behind her great-great-great-grandparents and this story of Caroline and John is a masterpiece of storytelling based on that research.
These days I read almost exclusively within the genres of science fiction, space opera, thrillers, and technothrillers. White Oak River, initially, seemed the antithesis of those genres. And I was hooked on the first page of the introductory chapter, and the last sentence of this four-page introduction to the novel was a jaw-dropper.
June 11, 2021
Absolutely one fantastic book. The writer pulls you into it from the first page and you don't want to put it down. I felt like a part of the people she wrote about. Ora really pulls you right into the families and their lives. I would have given it a TEN if I could. Her research regarding her family and involvement in this real and fictional story is amazing. I enjoyed reading that as much as I did the book. I finished it this afternoon and felt it ended too soon. I will not start another book for a while because I am STILL having this story go around in my head.
PLEASE read it if you haven't already. I e-mailed my D-I-L and told her she MUST read it. SHe is a truly southern girl. I KNOW she will LOVE this book!!!!
PLEASE read it if you haven't already. I e-mailed my D-I-L and told her she MUST read it. SHe is a truly southern girl. I KNOW she will LOVE this book!!!!
August 15, 2024
I absolutely loved this novel. Ora Smith depicts characters, places and events in a way that makes you feel like you are a part of the journey with the characters in the books. It doesn't glorify the Civil War but it does feel like what a Southern Woman of that time would feel and act about the events happening around her. Caroline Mattocks learns and grows and finds redemption through the hardships that she endures as does her preacher husband John. Be prepared for some depictions of violence and crass behavior if you read as your depiction of events stems from research she did and she doesn't sugarcoat things.
This book is an emotional, winding journey of hardships, family secrets, and joys.
This book is an emotional, winding journey of hardships, family secrets, and joys.
March 15, 2025
God does reign supreme.
This book is beloved to me now. In some generation we all have a different race in our blood. For those of us who want to tell their stories I encourage them to. Caroline and John's plight has helped me realize that it doesn't matter what color you are. If you let God guide you even in very rough times. There will be a reward waiting. Slavery was evil but those who made it through surviving on hardly anything is a testament to the human condition. Emotions, pain, suffering but for those who loved mankind despite the color of the skin. Well those will be the chosen and have been. Thank you God for filling the author with the spirit to write this story. Please read this book if for anything to learn from it. Very well written and presented.
This book is beloved to me now. In some generation we all have a different race in our blood. For those of us who want to tell their stories I encourage them to. Caroline and John's plight has helped me realize that it doesn't matter what color you are. If you let God guide you even in very rough times. There will be a reward waiting. Slavery was evil but those who made it through surviving on hardly anything is a testament to the human condition. Emotions, pain, suffering but for those who loved mankind despite the color of the skin. Well those will be the chosen and have been. Thank you God for filling the author with the spirit to write this story. Please read this book if for anything to learn from it. Very well written and presented.
January 16, 2026
A story of slavery's secrets during the 1800's in North Carolina. This story will touch your heart and mind in ways that you never want to forget. It is based on true history in a time when our world was so ignorant or so brain-washed in so many ways that they couldn't see the error of their ways; however, as you read, you will struggle with the 'what if's' - how would I respond if?
I received a paperback of this book from the author, Ora Smith, through a giveaway, and she wrote with her autograph - "Sandra, May we always remember and learn from history!"
My TBR pile is growing higher and higher, and it took me a time to get to this book. For me, the timing was right. History has changed some things, but not nearly as much as it needs too.
I received a paperback of this book from the author, Ora Smith, through a giveaway, and she wrote with her autograph - "Sandra, May we always remember and learn from history!"
My TBR pile is growing higher and higher, and it took me a time to get to this book. For me, the timing was right. History has changed some things, but not nearly as much as it needs too.
September 11, 2021
Wow, Ora Smith did it again! Her latest novel White Oak River brings the reader into the south during the Civil War era. Smith has crafted another novel based on her ancestry and doesn’t sugar coat it in any way. White Oak River reveals the story of wealthy southerners that must face war, their prejudices, secrets and wrong doings.
Slavery and the treatment of slaves pre and post the Civil War is candidly addressed through well-developed characters. White Oak River offers a lesson in history confirms the strength of family when enlightened by love and faith.
Slavery and the treatment of slaves pre and post the Civil War is candidly addressed through well-developed characters. White Oak River offers a lesson in history confirms the strength of family when enlightened by love and faith.
October 10, 2022
Having read quite a few novels dealing with the civil war, this one gave a perspective I haven't encountered before. An intriguing plotline kept me curious throughout and I especially liked the development the protagonist Caroline went through. Her views and emotions as she transformed from pampered Southern Belle to a strong, faithful woman had depth and were - to me - relateable and believable. Knowing the story is based on the author's personal history makes this book even more fascinating.
A good story that kept me up way beyond my usual bedtime.
A good story that kept me up way beyond my usual bedtime.
May 13, 2025
This book presented an unusual view of the Civil War. You find wealthy slave owners who lose their wealth and in the end, have to change their way of life. Other slave owners, when evaluating their circumstances, find themselves in a situation that goes against their conscience and try to correct the wrongs of slavery they are responsible for. It portrayed interesting situations that shed fresh light on
some of the choices Southerners had to make at that time. I don't quite give it 5 *s, which I seldom give, but I did enjoy this book quite a bit.
some of the choices Southerners had to make at that time. I don't quite give it 5 *s, which I seldom give, but I did enjoy this book quite a bit.
November 26, 2021
Not so much about slavery but the horror of war, especially "Northern aggression"
War brings about the worst in its combatants. This story.mentions slavery as a side effect and not the main cause of the war between the states. Southern families were dependent upon their slaves and according to this story good to their slaves. Sometimes a little too biased toward the South where most of the wars aggression took place.
War brings about the worst in its combatants. This story.mentions slavery as a side effect and not the main cause of the war between the states. Southern families were dependent upon their slaves and according to this story good to their slaves. Sometimes a little too biased toward the South where most of the wars aggression took place.
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June 9, 2023My first time reading this author. I felt so many levels of emotions reading book. Some the characters were so ignorant about their own feeling about humanity. Eliza was in denial of herself that she just was lost. I did identified with the characters and was able visually see the places described by the author. We never know where our roots are buried. Great story a great writer. Rated five stars.
August 21, 2024
A True Story of a Family
During the Civil war , a preacher married a young woman , this is the mostly true story of their hardships during the long lasting war from the Carolina perspective.
John a traveling preacher married an innocent young woman , Caroline, this is their story of their struggles , hardships and accepting the Black roots of their respective families.
Highly recommend
During the Civil war , a preacher married a young woman , this is the mostly true story of their hardships during the long lasting war from the Carolina perspective.
John a traveling preacher married an innocent young woman , Caroline, this is their story of their struggles , hardships and accepting the Black roots of their respective families.
Highly recommend
April 4, 2023
Such an incredible story
John and Caroline's story was so enthralling I could hardly put the book down. But I in back of the book Or a has written about her journey to write this novel. It was so neat to hear of the link to her own history. I frequently skip the back of the book after I have finished it. This kept me busy writing down places I plan to visit when I travel.
John and Caroline's story was so enthralling I could hardly put the book down. But I in back of the book Or a has written about her journey to write this novel. It was so neat to hear of the link to her own history. I frequently skip the back of the book after I have finished it. This kept me busy writing down places I plan to visit when I travel.
April 28, 2021
Real people, real love, real change
I loved the characterization in this book. Based on real people, but few resources, the author expertly made her ancestors come alive in beautiful and believable ways. Love, betrayal, prejudice and reconciliation ... I couldn't put it down!
I loved the characterization in this book. Based on real people, but few resources, the author expertly made her ancestors come alive in beautiful and believable ways. Love, betrayal, prejudice and reconciliation ... I couldn't put it down!
November 1, 2021
Fascinating Family History
This is a very interesting mostly true story. I always find family history fascinating and have attempted to assemble mine. I know how hard it is to go back generations and attempt to construct the incidences that brought us to where we are today.
This is a very interesting mostly true story. I always find family history fascinating and have attempted to assemble mine. I know how hard it is to go back generations and attempt to construct the incidences that brought us to where we are today.
November 9, 2021
Some times the truth is the truth
Although some parts of this book was fictional, as acknowledged by the writer; it still was a good read. Thank you Ora Smith for this story of love, family unity and the hardships before, during and after Slavery.
Although some parts of this book was fictional, as acknowledged by the writer; it still was a good read. Thank you Ora Smith for this story of love, family unity and the hardships before, during and after Slavery.
April 20, 2023
Great Story!
I could not put this book down at night. So well researched and written by Ora Smith. Well done!
I am encouraged to write my own ancestors stories. My brother has already done the genealogy.
I could not put this book down at night. So well researched and written by Ora Smith. Well done!
I am encouraged to write my own ancestors stories. My brother has already done the genealogy.
April 10, 2024
White Oak River
Like most slave plantation, you have the birth of children may they be born black or white, in this case the child was born black, it did keep the child being loved. I would recommend this book for others to read!
Like most slave plantation, you have the birth of children may they be born black or white, in this case the child was born black, it did keep the child being loved. I would recommend this book for others to read!
October 2, 2025
White oak river; story of slavery secrets.
I enjoyed the book and the moral of the story. This is not the sane today but too many still harbor the same feelings of race and heritage.
I enjoyed the book and the moral of the story. This is not the sane today but too many still harbor the same feelings of race and heritage.
April 5, 2021
Highly Recommended!
A very intuitive inspection of feelings and lives in the South during the Civil War. I really enjoyed this intriguing story!
A very intuitive inspection of feelings and lives in the South during the Civil War. I really enjoyed this intriguing story!
April 26, 2021
This is an awesome story with strong historical basis in Eastern North Carolina during the Civil War Era. Definitely worth reading.
August 13, 2021
Excellent
Love this book, tugged at my heartstrings. Beautifully written! Makes you feel like you are living the story right along with the characters.
Love this book, tugged at my heartstrings. Beautifully written! Makes you feel like you are living the story right along with the characters.
October 18, 2022
Awesome book and I loved the historical facts at the end.
March 21, 2023
it was a good read. A little long at times. But all in all not a bad read.
February 2, 2024
This was a beautiful story in many ways. For those who do not have a belief in a higher power, this book may be off putting.
February 15, 2025
Testament
I wonderful story of love and transition . A very personal account of living through the Civil war and the families involved in it, with a little Help on the side.
I wonderful story of love and transition . A very personal account of living through the Civil war and the families involved in it, with a little Help on the side.
February 16, 2025
One of the best civil war era books I've ever read.
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March 18, 2025white Oak
What a great book. I loved how it kept me on edge. Can't wait to start the next book to see what's next..
What a great book. I loved how it kept me on edge. Can't wait to start the next book to see what's next..
August 10, 2025
Surprise
Started out as,many historical novels usually begin but the ending was so touching! Being familiar with all the locals mentioned,made it feel like home!
Started out as,many historical novels usually begin but the ending was so touching! Being familiar with all the locals mentioned,made it feel like home!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews