Then Came Faith

Then Came Faith #1

by Louise M. Gouge

An edgy novel that runs many parallels with the current day tragedy of Katrina to the aftermath of the Civil War. Moreover, this gritty novel from a gifted writer addressees the greater healing that begins in life, when we are courageous enough to lay aside our preconceived notions and personal prejudices.

The Civil War is over; Elizabeth wants to help the South heal and repent of its past... Andre swears never to forgive the North for what they did to his family.

Elizabeth has traveled to this war-ravaged city to minister to the people devastated by the conflict -having been a strict abolitionist who was part of the Underground Railroad- she seeks to help the South understand the transgression of slavery. Andre and Elizabeth's attraction is immediate and obvious, but they quickly discover how diverse two people can be in their values and beliefs.

Even in the midst of their warring points of view, Andre cannot help but notice Elizabeth's courage and resilience - and remarkable impact- in the face of fierce opposition. Through the commitment of three former slaves, he discovers secrets from his family's past that force him to face head-on his own views of the intrinsic worth and dignity of all people.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Historical

384 pages, Paperback

First published September 6, 2006

Reviews

[Marjorie Dahl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Juliana leaves Boston to go to New Orleans to help freed slaves make a life for themselves.
She ends up falling in love with a Southern gentleman who she disagrees with on many things.
Some adventure, a bit slow moving in parts. Forgiving others is a theme throughout the book.
Encourages following God's path for you.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was okay, but at times seemed a little predictable. However, characters that I didn't see coming created some suspense. I enjoyed the historical context, and I felt the author really captured the conflict people must have felt during that time.

[Kristi Bell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Adult Christian book....

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have not read much fiction about the Civil War. This one kept my interest. I am happy to know it is the first in a series.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I needed to find a book cover with something about Rebel. This book had a Rebel flag on the front and it was a book about the time after the Civil War when Reconstruction was being forced on the Confederate South after their loss. This book looks at the re-building from the eyes of a young Northern lady on a missionary trip to New Orleans to teach young black children and black women and men to read and write and do sums. She is from Boston and is staying with the Randolphs, Northern sympathizers. Juliana Harris arrives and no one is there to meet her at the docks as she waits and is taunted by some young black men, Andre Beauchamp sees her distress and as a Southern gentleman helps her. She is quite taken with the handsome young man until she tells him her destination and he becomes quite unpleasant and sends her off in a carriage and rudely leaves.
There is so much tension everywhere. Juliana does not understand the attitude about slavery in the south and Andre is having trouble with the way things are now between him and former slaves. There has been murder and torture and so many thing standing between Juliana and Andre and all the struggles for them to face in a hostile environment. If you enjoy a good historical romance you can't go wrong reading this trilogy.

[Karen Linton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, quick read.