Scan barcode
library_of_kindredspirits's review
5.0
"Dreams of Savannah" is going on the Favorites shelf. Right. Now.
While I was reading this, I realized that it is the first novel I've read that takes place during the American Civil War. I was shocked by this, since there are so many out there. My mom has read quite a few of them, and I had memories of seeing them on her shelf, but no memory of actually reading one myself. I'm really glad I picked this one up from the library, because I now have a whole new historical era to explore. Not to mention, more praise for Roseanna White.
I don't even know how to go about reviewing this novel. There is so much I could talk about, but I would give the story away. I was going to assign a completely different synonym for 'love' to each character because I absolutely adored them, but there weren't enough synonyms. Delia, Phin, Salina, River, and Luther all brought something unique to the story. For one, I don't usually laugh out loud when I read books but I do enjoy a silent laugh every once in awhile. Luther and Phin's brotherly relationship had me smiling to myself. Also, I can't decide which male love-interest I want to marry because I kind of want to marry all three of them. LOL.
The overall theme of the novel is extremely powerful. Every single character changed in some way by the end of the story, and most changes were in relation to the theme. There were so many sections of the book I wanted to take a highlighter to, tab, and post on Instagram. They were powerful. I learned things, and my perspective on the Civil War has widened.
"Dreams of Savannah" was a journey I don't regret taking, and I imagine, I will take it again one day. I'm so thankful for it. Well done, Roseanna.
While I was reading this, I realized that it is the first novel I've read that takes place during the American Civil War. I was shocked by this, since there are so many out there. My mom has read quite a few of them, and I had memories of seeing them on her shelf, but no memory of actually reading one myself. I'm really glad I picked this one up from the library, because I now have a whole new historical era to explore. Not to mention, more praise for Roseanna White.
I don't even know how to go about reviewing this novel. There is so much I could talk about, but I would give the story away. I was going to assign a completely different synonym for 'love' to each character because I absolutely adored them, but there weren't enough synonyms. Delia, Phin, Salina, River, and Luther all brought something unique to the story. For one, I don't usually laugh out loud when I read books but I do enjoy a silent laugh every once in awhile. Luther and Phin's brotherly relationship had me smiling to myself. Also, I can't decide which male love-interest I want to marry because I kind of want to marry all three of them. LOL.
The overall theme of the novel is extremely powerful. Every single character changed in some way by the end of the story, and most changes were in relation to the theme. There were so many sections of the book I wanted to take a highlighter to, tab, and post on Instagram. They were powerful. I learned things, and my perspective on the Civil War has widened.
"Dreams of Savannah" was a journey I don't regret taking, and I imagine, I will take it again one day. I'm so thankful for it. Well done, Roseanna.
melissasbookshelf's review against another edition
4.0
Whenever I read a Civil War romance, I can't help but hear characters from Gone With the Wind in my mind, often because the characters seem to be somewhat one dimensional. This book was a refreshing surprise for me. When I received a complimentary net galley copy of this book for my honest review, I was amazed at how much I really enjoyed it. (All opinions expressed are entirely my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.) The characters both Black and White were intelligently written, thoughtful, and well rounded. The story was very compelling and had me staying up late into the night to read "just one more chapter."
This story of the struggle of the Civil War was enhanced by the strong cast of characters and the interesting plot. There was the free Black man from England who was well educated searching for his wife mistakenly sold into slavery, the Southern gentleman fighting for states' rights yet fighting his own views of slavery and the war, the evil rogue who disrespects all women, the obtuse father who loves his daughters including one from his relationship with a slave, the Southern wife who overlooks her husband's flaws, the idealistic daughter who can't wait for her soldier to return and lives to write fantasy novels all the while becoming increasingly aware of the brutal reality surrounding her, the daughter who is half Black half White but doesn't fit neatly in either world, the slave who pretends he is less intelligent than he is yet willing to risk his life for others, and those who are just trying to find ways to survive as the war comes ever closer to Savannah.
Filled with romance, suspense, betrayal, and the ever soul-wrenching conflict of the Civil War, this book tells the struggles of several couples both Black and White in epic proportions. It is a must read for all those who enjoy historical religious fiction. The religious aspects of the story are nicely woven in throughout the story and are a natural part of the characters' lives. Highly recommend this book and hope that a sequel is in store because I can't wait to see what happens to these characters.
This story of the struggle of the Civil War was enhanced by the strong cast of characters and the interesting plot. There was the free Black man from England who was well educated searching for his wife mistakenly sold into slavery, the Southern gentleman fighting for states' rights yet fighting his own views of slavery and the war, the evil rogue who disrespects all women, the obtuse father who loves his daughters including one from his relationship with a slave, the Southern wife who overlooks her husband's flaws, the idealistic daughter who can't wait for her soldier to return and lives to write fantasy novels all the while becoming increasingly aware of the brutal reality surrounding her, the daughter who is half Black half White but doesn't fit neatly in either world, the slave who pretends he is less intelligent than he is yet willing to risk his life for others, and those who are just trying to find ways to survive as the war comes ever closer to Savannah.
Filled with romance, suspense, betrayal, and the ever soul-wrenching conflict of the Civil War, this book tells the struggles of several couples both Black and White in epic proportions. It is a must read for all those who enjoy historical religious fiction. The religious aspects of the story are nicely woven in throughout the story and are a natural part of the characters' lives. Highly recommend this book and hope that a sequel is in store because I can't wait to see what happens to these characters.
thismamareads16's review
4.0
Not my most favorite of Roseanna White’s books, but a good read, just the same. I appreciated that she highlighted the complexities of the Southern people and the varied stances that likely existed re slavery.
jolantheerb's review
4.0
The topic of the Civil War (especially coming from a Southern perspective) is one that is, for lack of a better term, loaded at the moment. I truly appreciate that Roseanna White doesn't romanticize the era or what was happening and that this novel portrays the dilemmas that faced many of those living in the South at the time of the Civil War who were slave owners but who also had differing views/opinions that many of their friends at the time. There were people who were quietly fighting for rights of their slaves, who treated them well, etc... and in that, Roseanna White does a wonderful job sharing that perspective. Her writing is thought provoking and she shows the heart change of one of the main characters extremely well.
Essentially, this is a very difficult topic to write about and it isn't a book that you fly through in one sitting because of the complexity of the issues involved (i.e. not a poolside read). Roseanna White's books do tend to go much deeper than other typical Christian fiction novels which I appreciate. Her characters are extremely well written and show continual growth with each other and in their maturity relating to life and their current situations. The secondary characters in this book were WONDERFUL (Luther and Salina).
Roseanna White is one of my favorite authors - truly. Her books are some of the few that remain on my bookshelves over the years, so I'm a bit mixed in how to write this review because it's honestly the first four star review I've given to one of her books, but that isn't due to the writing as much as how Dreams of Savannah just felt more "disconnected" for me somehow. That's not necessarily her fault by any means. This book did take me longer to get into and through, but again, that could tie into the timing of the book's release and what is happening in our country at the moment.
A solid 4 stars.
Note: I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
Essentially, this is a very difficult topic to write about and it isn't a book that you fly through in one sitting because of the complexity of the issues involved (i.e. not a poolside read). Roseanna White's books do tend to go much deeper than other typical Christian fiction novels which I appreciate. Her characters are extremely well written and show continual growth with each other and in their maturity relating to life and their current situations. The secondary characters in this book were WONDERFUL (Luther and Salina).
Roseanna White is one of my favorite authors - truly. Her books are some of the few that remain on my bookshelves over the years, so I'm a bit mixed in how to write this review because it's honestly the first four star review I've given to one of her books, but that isn't due to the writing as much as how Dreams of Savannah just felt more "disconnected" for me somehow. That's not necessarily her fault by any means. This book did take me longer to get into and through, but again, that could tie into the timing of the book's release and what is happening in our country at the moment.
A solid 4 stars.
Note: I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
maryfaithreads's review
4.0
"We need happy stories in the midst of trials. They keep us going. Remind us of what we're struggling for."
Roseanna is one of my favorite authors, and I don't believe she is capable of writing a bad book. This was another lovely story that I thoroughly enjoyed.
I haven't read many books set during the Civil War, so this was interesting for me. This is obviously a difficult time period to read about, but I appreciated that the story seemed as historically accurate as possible. It was painful to read at times, but I do think we have to learn from the pain of the past.
I didn't connect with these characters quite as much as I have with some in other books by Roseanna. I did like Delia and her love of storytelling and writing. That was definitely something I could relate to. At first, I felt pretty indifferent towards Phin, but he really grew on me and went through a lot of great character development. I think my favorite character was Luther. His strong faith and determination were so admirable, and he just seemed like a cool guy. I liked being able to read not only from the POVs of the MCs, but also more "minor" characters like Luther and Salina.
The plot was engaging, but I just felt like something was missing. It honestly felt so jarring to read about such serious issues in one chapter, and then see the frivolity of many of the characters in the next. I understand that this was realistic, but it was a bit odd.
I did really like this book, and while it's not my favorite of Roseanna's, it was still fantastic. Making my way through all of her works is definitely a goal I am working on.
Roseanna is one of my favorite authors, and I don't believe she is capable of writing a bad book. This was another lovely story that I thoroughly enjoyed.
I haven't read many books set during the Civil War, so this was interesting for me. This is obviously a difficult time period to read about, but I appreciated that the story seemed as historically accurate as possible. It was painful to read at times, but I do think we have to learn from the pain of the past.
I didn't connect with these characters quite as much as I have with some in other books by Roseanna. I did like Delia and her love of storytelling and writing. That was definitely something I could relate to. At first, I felt pretty indifferent towards Phin, but he really grew on me and went through a lot of great character development. I think my favorite character was Luther. His strong faith and determination were so admirable, and he just seemed like a cool guy. I liked being able to read not only from the POVs of the MCs, but also more "minor" characters like Luther and Salina.
The plot was engaging, but I just felt like something was missing. It honestly felt so jarring to read about such serious issues in one chapter, and then see the frivolity of many of the characters in the next. I understand that this was realistic, but it was a bit odd.
I did really like this book, and while it's not my favorite of Roseanna's, it was still fantastic. Making my way through all of her works is definitely a goal I am working on.
adventuresofaliterarynature's review
3.0
First of all this cover is absolutely stunning and definitely needs a moment of appreciation.
And now on to the actual review. Coming off of the high from the last three connected series that Roseanna White has written that I’ve absolutely adored I was a little hesitant about this book. Especially since we were switching time periods and continents, and I just wasn’t ready to leave the characters we’ve come to love. But growing up I was fascinated with the Civil War so I was intrigued at what this story would deliver. White’s skill as an author definitely shone through and there was no denying the quality of the writing but for me this story wasn’t a favorite. The author definitely gave an honest look at how things were in the south and the viewpoints that many southerners held, but it was also hard to get behind a hero and heroine that believes as they did. They did have changes of heart as the book progressed but I wanted to see a little more of the process to that point rather than the sudden shift that seemed to occur. And selfishly I really wanted more romance from this book, the couple were barely in the same country let alone the same room for almost all of the book and my romance loving self was a little disappointed by that.
I did overall appreciate the author’s writing talent and the way she gave a true glimpse into what things were like in the south during this tumultuous time.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
And now on to the actual review. Coming off of the high from the last three connected series that Roseanna White has written that I’ve absolutely adored I was a little hesitant about this book. Especially since we were switching time periods and continents, and I just wasn’t ready to leave the characters we’ve come to love. But growing up I was fascinated with the Civil War so I was intrigued at what this story would deliver. White’s skill as an author definitely shone through and there was no denying the quality of the writing but for me this story wasn’t a favorite. The author definitely gave an honest look at how things were in the south and the viewpoints that many southerners held, but it was also hard to get behind a hero and heroine that believes as they did. They did have changes of heart as the book progressed but I wanted to see a little more of the process to that point rather than the sudden shift that seemed to occur. And selfishly I really wanted more romance from this book, the couple were barely in the same country let alone the same room for almost all of the book and my romance loving self was a little disappointed by that.
I did overall appreciate the author’s writing talent and the way she gave a true glimpse into what things were like in the south during this tumultuous time.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
gretchenlouise's review
4.0
Savannah, Georgia isn't a typical setting for a novel by Roseanna M. White. And the Civil War era isn't one I read a lot of fiction about these days (I think I read too much when I was younger!). But in Dreams of Savannah, Roseanna set a plucky heroine in the South at the beginning of the Civil War. And it was delightful.
Phin was a worthy hero, but my favorite character was definitely Luther. And I can't help but think that in Delia's active imagination, we've caught a glimpse of the way the author's own mind works, as well.
(I received a review copy from NetGalley. Opinions are my own.)
Phin was a worthy hero, but my favorite character was definitely Luther. And I can't help but think that in Delia's active imagination, we've caught a glimpse of the way the author's own mind works, as well.
(I received a review copy from NetGalley. Opinions are my own.)
paperbacks_and_ponytails's review
5.0
I really enjoyed this book by Roseanna M. White. I read this was her first book she wrote set in America instead of England. And I think she did a great job with the setting and the characters and time period.
Delia is in love with Phineas, but when he goes off to war against the northern Yankees, she promises to wait for him forever. But he is lost at sea and injured. Will she wait for him to return?
I really enjoyed the audio narrator, and how she brought the story to life. The characters in this story were so well thought out. I loved Luther, I think he was my favorite. A kindly black freeman who helped Phin to return home, and helped kindle his faith in God.
Delia is in love with Phineas, but when he goes off to war against the northern Yankees, she promises to wait for him forever. But he is lost at sea and injured. Will she wait for him to return?
I really enjoyed the audio narrator, and how she brought the story to life. The characters in this story were so well thought out. I loved Luther, I think he was my favorite. A kindly black freeman who helped Phin to return home, and helped kindle his faith in God.
talesuponmyshelf_'s review against another edition
5.0
I fell in love with this book! I felt like I was in Savannah during the Civil War. The historical accuracy of Southern culture was great! There was tension, conflict, betrayal, faith and longing. I was cheering for Delia and Phin to make their way back together. They both had character development and had to learn and grow to come back together. Beautifully written!
abigailkayharris's review
4.0
Civil War fiction is something that I love but rarely find novels that I agree with and since I don't go into politics (or anything of the like) on my reviews I'm not going further into that...
Anyway, I liked this!
Except for the fact that once again an author brought in something that I think is way too used and made to be way too light of a subject.
So, yes, I like this book but no, I don't really recommend it for younger readers due to the content.
18+
For an interesting story, likable characters, and an incredible cover I give 4 stars, it would have been 5 but I don't agree with how somethings were handled and the abuse that was attempted.
I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary e/copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Anyway, I liked this!
Except for the fact that once again an author brought in something that I think is way too used and made to be way too light of a subject.
So, yes, I like this book but no, I don't really recommend it for younger readers due to the content.
18+
For an interesting story, likable characters, and an incredible cover I give 4 stars, it would have been 5 but I don't agree with how somethings were handled and the abuse that was attempted.
I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary e/copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.