Sue Ingalls Finan

This is a well written, well researched historical fiction novel about a war that is rarely written about. Not only was it a great book to read but I also learned a lot about this time period and did some additional research after I finished the book. I love it when you read a great book that also teaches you.

The year is 1814 and the location is New Orleans. The second war of independence is taking place against the British and the British are fighting to gain control of New Orleans as part of their plan to win against all of America. Some parts of the book are about the fighting and the men who fight but the most important characters are three very different females. Catherine is a free woman of color who is a healer and a midwife and a voodoo princess. Margeurite is the wife of a plantation owner. She has had several miscarriages and goes to Catherine for help getting pregnant and having a healthy baby. Millie is a prostitute who yearns to have another life but because she is the daughter of prostitute she knows that her choices are limited or non existent. These three woman couldn't be more different and they are all on very different social levels in the New Orleans society.
When General Jackson and his army arrive in NO to defend America against the British, the women's differences disappear as they all take part in helping the men injured in the battle. Not only are they compassionate and caring but all three of them have a husband or lover who is involved in the fighting. Will their love and sacrifices be enough to help not only the men that they love but also the city of New Orleans.

I loved the three female characters in this novel. Even though they all knew their places in the society of NO during this time period, they were willing to step in and help where they could. They all showed love and compassion far beyond their roles of 'just women'. My favorite was Millie - she was the one who was the most unacceptable yet she let her love and compassion for others rule her life and stepped way out of the bounds of her original place in society.

If you enjoy historical fiction and books about strong women, this is a must read!

Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.… (meer)