Reviews

The Creole Princess by Beth White

dmantonya's review against another edition

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5.0

The second in the series and continuing the family line of the Lanier's who are of French heritage. Lyse is the main character and she lives in Mobile and the time period is the Revolutionary War. It is also about the British commander's daughter Daisy. Of course there is a gentleman and he is a Spanish merchant who is in town every once in a while to sell his cargo from his ship.

readingwitherin's review against another edition

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3.0

"Listen, a lot of what happens in life, you don't get a choice.
When you got a decision puts you on one road or another, the least you do is think about the consequences in light of what you know."

Lyse is a very headstrong young woman who won't be pushed around by the men in her life. Which was surprising to see in the 1700s. She has worked different jobs, including her brothers fishing boat since her father's drinking problem started, and that has made her feisty and strong about her own opinions. She still tries to follow the rules put in place for women, but she also knows that sometimes they have to be broken.

"Well, let me tell you something, you pompous r-rooster! It is not your place to give me ultimatums or blackmail me with your stupid threats! You can't tell me what to believe, you can't make me turn my back on my father - drunkard or not- and you can't make me marry you!"

One day she ends up running into Don Rafael 'Rafa' and they start an unusual friendship that ends up helping them both out many times. Not only does Rafa help Lyse get back at someone, and makes it possible for a certain someone in her life to become free as well.

Lyse isn't the typical character that you read about for the 1700s because her mother was a slave that her father had bought and then freed, meaning that she and her older brother which some in society tend to hold against them. I was expecting for this to be problematic, but it really wasn't talked about much, and instead, the story focused on the things that were happening and the start of the revolution.
I really did love Lyse friendship with Daisy who was a Generals daughter which makes things a little complicated the closer war gets.

Overall I surprisingly really enjoyed this book, and I learned so much about how the Spaniards really helped the Revolution start and I want to learn more about it. Which is something I want to look more into and see if I can find other books with Spain being involved.

As for the romance part, I didn't mind it and I'm glad the two actually got to know each other. I also liked that Lyse didn't just say yes to a certain someone who was constantly asking her just because it would have provided her security with the British.

kerrycat's review against another edition

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3.0

Lyse and Rafael have an instant rapport that will keep readers interested. White skillfully includes thoughtful questions and concerns about Christian approval of slavery, along with the difficulties presented when politics threaten to tear families apart, without turning a charming story into a history lesson.

Lyse, daughter of a freed slave mother and a white father, wonders where she belongs. Society shuns her, but slaves must defer to her. When she meets Rafael, a Spanish merchant from New Orleans, their instant attraction takes them both by storm, but both are caught up in the Revolutionary conflict when her family’s loyalty to the British Crown is questioned. (REVELL, Apr., 352 pp., $14.99)
Reviewed by:
Kerry Sutherland
- See more at: http://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-review/creole-princess#sthash.MB00xQsP.dpuf

clents's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging hopeful medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

anke_books's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful informative mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

Een boek dat je aangrijpt en door wilt lezen! Spannend. 
Deel een had ik al even geleden gelezen (al 2x!) en ik moest even terughalen waar dat over ging en de link met dit deel. 
De historische achtergrond van een situatie waar ik eigenlijk niets van wist, was erg leerzaam. Er gebeurt van alles waardoor wij zicht krijgen op de gebeurtenissen rond die tijd. Sommige situaties heb ik zelfs nog even gegoogled om te zien wat ervan waar is.

adventuresofaliterarynature's review against another edition

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4.0

This book was an interesting read. This author has a beautiful writing style that just swept me away to another time and place. Usually books set during the Revolutionary War focus on the thirteen colonies so it was really cool to get a look at how the war was affecting other places on the continent. There were several large time jumps which was occasionally confusing, but I understood how it was necessary for the storyline and it didn't detract too much.
Lyse and Rafael were definitely a fun hero and heroine. I loved Lyse's gentle nature and her selfless care for those close to her. Rafael's humor and his confidence that bordered on cockiness made him an endearing hero who you couldn't help but love.
All in all it was a beautiful story that I think historical fiction lovers will thoroughly enjoy!

I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

musicianjulz's review against another edition

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5.0

The Creole Princess, a riveting tale of intrigue and romance, takes place in Mobile/New Orleans during the outbreak of the Revolutionary War. Do not be deceived by the soft ethereal beauty of the book cover. This revolutionary saga will blow you away with its attention to rich historical detail, captivating characters, and vibrant faith. As an avid reader of historical fiction. I have found some historical periods to be overused to the point that I tire of reading any more on the subject. However, that is certainly not the case here. The author chose a well-known and pivotal point in American history, yet managed to give us a entirely different vantage point on the time period. Perhaps what makes it diverse is that it explores moments of the Revolutionary War that are not often mentioned in History class. This is my first book by the author and I would definitely recommend it to anyone, especially those who enjoy reading historical fiction.

**I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.**

giselle_reads's review against another edition

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4.0

The Creole Princess turned out to be a surprising read, definitely not what I had expected. There were major high points in the plot, and some points that were exceptionally lengthy and drawn out and others that needed more. The politics were confusing, more so than Gone With the Wind, and multiple chapters on the war and who was where and when. This book seemed a bit rushed and struggling to put everything together that occured in history. With that said, the writing that described the events, politically, racial, and emotionally, shines through with its balanced weight of conversation, but also description and thought. A good read that satisfies readers with history, a bit of romance, and great lessons of faith, The Creole Princess will be a cherished novel for its well rounded, daring, rebellious, and charming characters, and make readers wish for their own New Orleans Spaniard.

rjsetserauthor's review

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5.0

I received this book from the author/publisher for the purpose of this review. All comments and opinions are entirely my own.

I am going to open this review by saying that Beth White has created the most memorable male character that I have ever read about! Don Rafael Maria Gonzales de Ripparda was by far the highlight of this book for me and I am certain that I could never tire of reading about his fun personality! As for the rest of this book, it was equally as enjoyable and I was immensely pleased with the author's writing and research as she wrote this engaging tale! There were a few questionable scenes during the American Revolutionary War reflects but nothing bad enough to mention as a stay away from; simply the things that came with war.

This is the first book that I have read by Beth White and I am now a dedicated fan and honestly cannot wait for her next book! I rate The Creole Princess 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to anyone who enjoys Historical Romance!

You can read this review, as well as others, on my blog at http://acceleratethejesusmovement.wordpress.com

bayougirl85's review

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5.0

Lyse and Don Rafeal take us a little further in time than the first. We were still in the Louisiana/Mississippi area but the French and Indian War is long gone and now the Spanish are helping the Americans with their independence. The history mixed in was awesome.