Play Book Tag discussion

There are a few reasons that I bumped this up from 3 to 4 stars. First, I live in western North Carolina, and many of the geographic locations and features are familiar. I used google maps to get a better sense of where these places are relative to each other. There is even a dinner at the Biltmore Estate. Second, I appreciated the view of the devastation to the ecology of Appalachia by the timber industry and the practice of clear cutting--taking every tree and leaving a field of stumps. And third, historical fiction is my jam.
The story features 2 sets of characters at opposite ends of the economic spectrum. George Pemberton has wedded Serena and brought her back to his successful timber operation in WNC. They become partners in building a lumber kingdom. They battle rattlesnakes, workers getting killed in this dangerous industry, storms, a deceptive partner, and attempts to buy or seize land to create Smoky Mt National Park. Serena is not about to let anyone get in her way or get away with anything. It soon becomes clear how far she will go to get what she wants. The book could be subtitled Lady Macbeth in Appalachia.
Rachel lives nearby and has worked in the camp long enough to give birth to George's son, Jacob. Her life is one of poverty and she is barely making it. When Serena turns her attention to her and her baby, she is forced to flee with the help of a few good people.
One of the things I appreciate about historical fiction is how these issues and themes still resonate today. Corporate greed and environmental issues are front and center in this book.
The book started slow, but when it got moving, it was hard to put down. There were many surprises especially the finale. The book is quite a thriller.

I really liked this book even though it is very dark. I read it in a book club where all the women liked it and the men didn't. I think the men couldn't deal with Serena and her power!