Publisher Description
The first novel in USA Today Bestselling Author Beverly Jenkins’s compelling new series follows a Northern woman south in the chaotic aftermath of the Civil War . . .
Valinda Lacy’s mission in the steamy heart of New Orleans is to help the newly emancipated community survive and flourish. But soon she discovers that here, freedom can also mean danger. When thugs destroy the school she has set up and then target her, Valinda runs for her life—and straight into the arms of Captain Drake LeVeq.
As an architect from an old New Orleans family, Drake has a deeply personal interest in rebuilding the city. Raised by strong women, he recognizes Valinda’s determination. And he can’t stop admiring—or wanting—her. But when Valinda’s father demands she return home to marry a man she doesn’t love, her daring rebellion draws Drake into an irresistible intrigue.
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
This historical romance set amid the hardships of Reconstruction made our hearts flutter—and then some. With the Civil War over and the Emancipation Proclamation in effect, Valinda, a Black woman from the North, heads to New Orleans to help teach newly freed children to read and write. But she soon learns that though slavery has been abolished, racism is more prevalent and destructive than ever. Luckily for Val (and for us), she has the kind, strong, incredibly hot Captain Drake LeVeq on her side. To say Drake is a dream guy is an understatement. He’s a man of integrity, an effective problem solver, and on top of all that, he isn’t afraid to support Val’s ambitions just because she’s a woman (something even her father can’t manage). And having his prominent Black New Orleans family there to support them adds historical dimension to the tale, along with some delightful supporting characters. We were excited for Val and Drake to succeed—as Black leaders and as a couple.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
This winning historical romance lays the groundwork for an exciting series. In post Civil War New Orleans, New Yorker Valinda Lacy strives to teach freedmen, but both her work and her safety are imperiled by the racial hostility still plaguing the nation. When business owner Drake LeVeq saves Valinda from racist attackers, he's immediately taken by the spunky beauty. Both were born free, and they make it their life's mission to assist ex-slaves. Valinda, whose fianc is in France on business, is only in New Orleans temporarily, but the chemistry between her and the hunky Drake is as hot as the spicy foods they share. When Valinda's attackers come looking for revenge, Drake keeps her under his protection, and when she's evicted, Drake's mother takes her in, making it even harder for them to keep their distance. Finally Valinda breaks her engagement to stay in New Orleans, and then she has to deal with her overbearing father, who believes women have no business being on their own. Meanwhile, Drake gets involved in taking dangerous vengeance for the death of a friend. Jenkins (the Blessings series) addresses sensitive, serious issues in a tactful, realistic manner, and she brilliantly balances the real sorrows of history with a shimmering romance. This is a grand tale of finding happiness in hard times.
