Book Review: Under the Tulip Tree by Michelle Shocklee

About the Book:

Sixteen-year-old Lorena Leland’s dreams of a rich and fulfilling life as a writer are dashed when the stock market crashes in 1929. Seven years into the Great Depression, Rena’s banker father has retreated into the bottle, her sister is married to a lazy charlatan and gambler, and Rena is an unemployed newspaper reporter. Eager for any writing job, Rena accepts a position interviewing former slaves for the Federal Writers’ Project. There, she meets Frankie Washington, a 101-year-old woman whose honest yet tragic past captivates Rena.

As Frankie recounts her life as a slave, Rena is horrified to learn of all the older woman has endured—especially because Rena’s ancestors owned slaves. While Frankie’s story challenges Rena’s preconceptions about slavery, it also connects the two women whose lives are otherwise separated by age, race, and circumstances. But will this bond of respect, admiration, and friendship be broken by a revelation neither woman sees coming?

Read an excerpt from Under the Tulip Tree on the publisher's website.

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My Thoughts:

Under the Tulip Tree by Michelle Shocklee boldly invites the reader into the lives of Frankie, a 101-year-old former slave, and Lorena (Rena), a struggling writer, whose family once owned slaves. Frankie is an especially fascinating character. The way she talks – both her word choice and forthrightness – captivated me and made her the star of this novel in both timelines. Despite her tragic past, she bestows love on all those around her, treating all as family.

Although Under the Tulip Tree is based on the Federal Writers’ Project from the late 1930s, it is a work of deeply moving historical fiction. Sometimes the story felt very sad, and I paused reading as needed. The novel deals with themes of hatred, forgiveness, and racial reconciliation. I appreciated that hope prevailed for both Frankie and Rena.

Under the Tulip Tree by Michelle Shocklee stands as the best book I have read so far in 2021. I read it with my church’s ladies book club and it generated plenty of discussion. I highly recommend this novel to readers of historical fiction.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

With This Pledge by Tamera Alexander

About the Book:

Elizabeth “Lizzie” Clouston's quietly held principles oppose those of the Southern Cause – but when forty thousand soldiers converge on the fields of Franklin, Tennessee, the war demands an answer. The Carnton home, where she is governess, in converted into a Confederate field hospital; and Lizzie must gather up her fortitude to assist the military doctor with surgeries that determine life or death – even as she fears for the life of Towny, her fiance and lifelong friend.

A young soldier's last wish is that she convey an urgent message to his mother. She vows to do so, but Lizzie knows little more than the boy's first name. That same night, decorated Mississippi sharpshooter Captain Roland Ward Jones extracts a different promise from Lizzie: that she intervene should the surgeon decide to amputate his leg.

Lizzie is nothing if not a woman of her word, earning the soldiers' respect as she tends to the wounded within Carnton's walls. None is more admiring than Captain Jones, who doesn't realize she is already pledged to another. When Towny vanishes after a crushing battle in Nashville, Lizzie must confront the costs of war. And torn between love, principles, and promises made, she struggles to be true to her own heart while standing for what she knows is right – no matter the cost.

From the pages of history and the personal accounts of those who endured the Battle of Franklin, Tamera Alexander weaves the real-life love letters between Captain Roland Ward Jones and Miss Elizabeth Clouston into a story of unlikely romance first kindled amid the shadows of war.

My Thoughts:

With This Pledge is the first full-length novel in Tamera Alexander's Carnton series. I was immediately drawn into the story by the tragic imagery of the Battle of Franklin's aftermath. Though the aftermath is extensive and Lizzie is right in the middle of it all, I found the story sobering, but not depressing.The author noted that she intended to authentically portray the experiences of those involved while weaving a compelling story of hope and that is exactly what she did. Hidden in the shadows of war, racism, slavery, and death, there is love. Not only romantic love, but also sacrificial love that bears the burdens of others.

The perfectly paced love story between Roland and Lizzie was steady and never angsty. There was always progression as they formed a deep, profound attachment. The characters' differences prompted them both to consider another's perspective and search for truth. They grew spiritually as their relationship blossomed.

I recommend With This Pledge by Tamera Alexander to fans of historical fiction, especially those interested in the Civil War period. Five stars!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Newton & Polly by Jody Hedlund

John Newton is a youthful, adventurous sailor when he first encounters Polly Catlett. Her sweet voice and pretty face draw him, but it is her personality that captivates him. Devout and responsible, Polly is Newton's opposite in many ways. As they interact, attraction and passion begin to bind them together. But Polly's concerns regarding Newton are realized when his drunkenness gets him caught and impressed into the English Navy's service. As time passes, Newton's waywardness intensifies and Polly must choose to lay aside her hope of a joint future with Newton. Will Newton and Polly spend their lives pursuing desires that keep them apart from each other? Or will they embrace an amazing grace that can bring love and restoration into darkness and shame? Read more in Newton & Polly by Jody Hedlund.

Newton & Polly by Jody Hedlund snagged my attention at the beginning and carried it along a path to the depths of human depravity and the heights of miraculous, life-altering grace. The journey was unpleasant at times. Newton's irresponsibly was annoying and his later actions were disgusting. Even after his conversion, I found it difficult to really like him. That being said, I appreciate that Hedlund stuck reasonably close to the known historical facts and didn't gloss over Newton's behavior to make him more palatable. Some elements of the story that I enjoyed were: the humorous banter between Newton and Polly, Polly's character development, Newton's conversion, Mr. Catlett's stand for moral integrity, and the spiritual themes of grace triumphing over sin.

While Newton & Polly is not my favorite book by Hedlund, I do think it is well-written. I'm sure there are some readers who can can stomach Newton's descent into depravity better than I did and I don't seek to dissuade anyone who enjoys reading historical romances from reading Newton & Polly. My dislike of the story is based more on Newton's character than Hedlund's writing.

Read an excerpt from Newton & Polly by Jody Hedlund on the publisher's website.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Rebellious Heart by Jody Hedlund

Susanna Smith and Benjamin Ross both seek an advantageous marriage to improve their station in life. Susanna comes from a financially comfortable family, but was denied access to higher learning. She's determined to marry well so that she can maintain her school for girls. Ben is a good lawyer, but his humble background has always deprived him of the respect that his actions merited. A wealthy wife would propel him into the world of the elite and open opportunities that would otherwise be closed. When Susanna helps a runaway slave, she finds herself turning to Ben for advice and protection. Yet, he is far from safe. Many Colonists resent the British and Ben's ideas seem almost rebellious. Will Susanna and Ben obtain desirable matches? Or will they find a love worth more than aspirations?

Rebellious Heart by Jody Hedlund is a stand-alone novel of drama and romance. I loved that this book was based on a real-life couple from Colonial times. The story line hooked me from the beginning and carried my interest throughout the book. Ben and Susanna both underwent deep character development, but the plot never stagnated as they dealt with their issues. Overall, Rebellious Heart was a great read. I was slightly disappointed with the ending. While it was sweet, I felt it left certain things unresolved. I'll definitely keep the book and read it again. However, some readers may find the lack of complete resolution off-putting.

Read an excerpt from Rebellious Heart by Jody Hedlund on the publisher's website.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Love's Awakening by Laura Frantz

Ellie Ballantyne and Jack Turlock descend from rival families, but a terrible storm brings them together temporarily until Jack can return Ellie home. Once home, Ellie feels strangely out of place, as if things are not what they seem. Determined to use her finishing school training to benefit others, she opens a day school for young ladies. Chloe Turlock, Jack's younger sister, is especially in need of Ellie's instruction. As Ellie attempts to mold Chloe into a lady, Ellie finds herself increasingly drawn to Jack. A public, social rivalry isn't the only thing standing between Ellie and Jack. Both of their families have secrets of life and death importance. Although loyalty constrains Ellie to her family, will love find a way to flourish between her and Jack? Find out in Love's Awakening by Laura Frantz.

Love's Awakening is the second installment in The Ballantyne Legacy series by Laura Frantz. I do recommend reading them in order. Some general background information from the first novel in the series, Love's Reckoning, is provided. However, there were some vague references to events in Love's Reckoning that I couldn't completely recall even though I read it just last year.

I was pretty much hooked by Love's Awakening from Jack's first glimpse of Ellie in chapter one. The chemistry between the two characters and the adverse circumstances surrounding them made for a captivating story. As usual, Frantz's writing style was both beautiful and admirable. The story pace never dragged and Frantz added unique twists that kept the story fresh. I highly recommend Love's Awakening to fans of Christian historical romance. It's in my top three favorite books I've read this year and I know I'll reread it again in the future. Definitely a keeper!

Available August 2013 at your favorite bookseller, from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. Read an excerpt from Love's Awakening by Laura Frantz on Revell's website.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."