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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.
melmo2610's review
5.0
This was truly the BEST story! I adored Cordelia and her storyish personality. She is going to be one of my favorite characters ever. Part of what I also loved about her as well as Phin was the character growth through the book. I really appreciate Roseanna writing them the way she did and how their beliefs changed and grew throughout the book. Truly excellent writing. I also really enjoyed the character of Luther. He was a great addition to the story and I loved the banter between Phin and Luther, it was humorous while helping show Phin growing as a character. The story is completely immersive and just flat out wonderful. It will definitely be on of my absolute favorite 2021 reads. Don't miss this one!!
I received this book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my honest opinion.
I received this book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my honest opinion.
heatherwoodauthor's review
3.0
It's impossible to rate and and review a book in a vacuum, apart from things like previous knowledge of the author and her works, apart from personal experience and other books read.
It's impossible not to compare and contrast or to feel culminating weight, and I'm feeling this tension especially strongly with this review.
Dreams of Savannah is very honest and well researched, and I liked that it felt less biased, less black and white about what was a very complicated war than some Civil War novels are. This book more than most showed subtle nuances in perspectives, and I give it props for that. It had a lot of ingredients that I look for and love in a story: honest history, solid theology, and a happy ending. But this time, for me, the right ingredients did not a loved book make.
One of my struggles with this book was a weariness with Civil War novelists in general feeling the need to be gritty, which I believe is a direct reaction against the romanticization of the Old South. But to put it plainly, I'm tired of Civil War books being about rape and attempted rape. So much of this book was about the fear of rape, the evil man with the leering gleam in his eye ever present and the selfish father pushing his daughter into that man's suit, making the reader so tense for so much of the book until the attempted rape did happen, that it made the book a journey that I did not enjoy, a volume that I do not close the cover and think, "Now THAT is a story I must have on my shelves and revisit from time to time."
No. Once was too much.
Secondly, I can push through painful books when I truly enjoy the characters' company, but I was not hooked at the beginning and came to like the characters far too late in the story for it to redeem the stress of the rape foreshadowing and selfish, controlling parents (I hate books with selfish, controlling parents). Roseanna White has written some of my very favorite fictional characters of all time. Few can compare with the charm and lovability of Brooke, Brice, Rosemary, Lukas, Peter, Barclay, and Philip. Had characters of that level been in Dreams of Savannah, I might have been more willing to plow through the difficult storyline. But since they weren't, I found myself flipping pages to get it over with, not because I couldn't put it down, and that's just not a position that I as a reader want to be put in. I very much regret having to say that by the time the happy ending came, I was skimming and did not care anymore. I wish this wasn't true of such a beloved author.
I had a strong sense for most of this book of the fact that it is editorial and the author spent more effort on her message than anything else. It was perhaps too obvious. And I wish I wasn't saying it about a message I agree with.
There were some good lines about writing and story that I appreciated. The book was not in any way graphic and actually had low violence, for all its discussion of violent topics. I give the book four stars because I cannot review it in a vacuum and I know how subjective my opinion is. It did have the right ingredients, but unfortunately most of the Dreams of Savannah I am left with from this book are unsavory ones.
I received an advance copy from Netgalley and the publisher but I was not compensated for my views and all opinions are my own.
It's impossible not to compare and contrast or to feel culminating weight, and I'm feeling this tension especially strongly with this review.
Dreams of Savannah is very honest and well researched, and I liked that it felt less biased, less black and white about what was a very complicated war than some Civil War novels are. This book more than most showed subtle nuances in perspectives, and I give it props for that. It had a lot of ingredients that I look for and love in a story: honest history, solid theology, and a happy ending. But this time, for me, the right ingredients did not a loved book make.
One of my struggles with this book was a weariness with Civil War novelists in general feeling the need to be gritty, which I believe is a direct reaction against the romanticization of the Old South. But to put it plainly, I'm tired of Civil War books being about rape and attempted rape. So much of this book was about the fear of rape, the evil man with the leering gleam in his eye ever present and the selfish father pushing his daughter into that man's suit, making the reader so tense for so much of the book until the attempted rape did happen, that it made the book a journey that I did not enjoy, a volume that I do not close the cover and think, "Now THAT is a story I must have on my shelves and revisit from time to time."
No. Once was too much.
Secondly, I can push through painful books when I truly enjoy the characters' company, but I was not hooked at the beginning and came to like the characters far too late in the story for it to redeem the stress of the rape foreshadowing and selfish, controlling parents (I hate books with selfish, controlling parents). Roseanna White has written some of my very favorite fictional characters of all time. Few can compare with the charm and lovability of Brooke, Brice, Rosemary, Lukas, Peter, Barclay, and Philip. Had characters of that level been in Dreams of Savannah, I might have been more willing to plow through the difficult storyline. But since they weren't, I found myself flipping pages to get it over with, not because I couldn't put it down, and that's just not a position that I as a reader want to be put in. I very much regret having to say that by the time the happy ending came, I was skimming and did not care anymore. I wish this wasn't true of such a beloved author.
I had a strong sense for most of this book of the fact that it is editorial and the author spent more effort on her message than anything else. It was perhaps too obvious. And I wish I wasn't saying it about a message I agree with.
There were some good lines about writing and story that I appreciated. The book was not in any way graphic and actually had low violence, for all its discussion of violent topics. I give the book four stars because I cannot review it in a vacuum and I know how subjective my opinion is. It did have the right ingredients, but unfortunately most of the Dreams of Savannah I am left with from this book are unsavory ones.
I received an advance copy from Netgalley and the publisher but I was not compensated for my views and all opinions are my own.
shammons's review against another edition
4.0
I discovered Roseanna M White's books a year or so ago, and quickly devoured both the Shadows over England series, as well as the Codebreakers series. I'm slowly working my way through her other books and was so excited to see this standalone book, set in the south during the Civil War, was available via Hoopla. Cordelia (or Delia) and Phin's story was wonderful and towards the end, was very hard to put down. This book has a lot of heart, with its focus on slavery and all the right points of view. I can't wait to read more by this author, as I'm never disappointed :)
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.
jlynnelseauthor's review
5.0
1861. Betrayed, shot, and washed overboard, Confederate soldier Phineas Dunn wakes up on the shores of Cuba. His only hope of survival is a Reverend from England, who happens to be a free Black man. Reverend Luther Bromley can’t understand God’s plan until Phin mentions where he’s from—Savannah, which is the same place his wife was taken to be sold. Can this young plantation owner help to free his wife? Meanwhile in Savannah, Cordelia creates tales of adventures of her love, Phin, after receiving word he’s lost at sea. She refuses to believe he’s dead. However, a persistent, wealthy cousin will do his best to ingratiate himself with her family to make Cordelia his, even against her own will. As Cordelia begins seeing a darker side to her cousin, she prays Phin arrives home before it’s too late.
“It’s not that she doesn’t see the tragedy—she just chooses which stories to tell.”
Cordelia (Delia) is a dreamer and storyteller with her eye towards daring adventures and happily-ever-afters. She’s a tenacious and witty narrator. While her outlook continues to be challenged, it’s her evolving relationships with the other characters that drives the plot forward. Running concurrent to her story is a recovering Phin, whose moral compass is called into question as he gets to know Luther. Everything’s firmly grounded in faith and trusting God.
White does a fantastic job exploring characters’ thought processes as perspectives begin shifting. The narrative alternates among Delia, Phin, Luther, and Delia’s personal slave, Salina, helping encompass a variety of viewpoints on weighty issues like freedom and equality. In the afterword, White discusses her research and use of English Creole/Gullah. Her care and detail to the history are strongly felt. An enjoyable, emotionally-driven story of discovering the story in those around us.
Review originally posted via the Historical Novel Society at: https://historicalnovelsociety.org/reviews/dreams-of-savannah/
“It’s not that she doesn’t see the tragedy—she just chooses which stories to tell.”
Cordelia (Delia) is a dreamer and storyteller with her eye towards daring adventures and happily-ever-afters. She’s a tenacious and witty narrator. While her outlook continues to be challenged, it’s her evolving relationships with the other characters that drives the plot forward. Running concurrent to her story is a recovering Phin, whose moral compass is called into question as he gets to know Luther. Everything’s firmly grounded in faith and trusting God.
White does a fantastic job exploring characters’ thought processes as perspectives begin shifting. The narrative alternates among Delia, Phin, Luther, and Delia’s personal slave, Salina, helping encompass a variety of viewpoints on weighty issues like freedom and equality. In the afterword, White discusses her research and use of English Creole/Gullah. Her care and detail to the history are strongly felt. An enjoyable, emotionally-driven story of discovering the story in those around us.
Review originally posted via the Historical Novel Society at: https://historicalnovelsociety.org/reviews/dreams-of-savannah/
_carolcabrita's review
4.0
At first it was hard to get into the story. I somehow wasn't aware of the setting so I was shocked with the first chapter. Thankfully I enjoyed both characters journey during US civil war first year. There was a lot of history that I'm not familiar with nonetheless I found interesting.
I teared up many times, some scenes were really touching. And I think this happened with every Roseanna M White book I've read so far: at the beginning I don't care much about the characters or plot, they are usually different from what I was expecting but I get so attached to them afterwards. She makes me care for the story, you know.
I teared up many times, some scenes were really touching. And I think this happened with every Roseanna M White book I've read so far: at the beginning I don't care much about the characters or plot, they are usually different from what I was expecting but I get so attached to them afterwards. She makes me care for the story, you know.
emslovestoread's review
1.0
One of my requirements for loving, or even liking, a book is strong characters who undergo some sort of growth and development. I didn’t find that here. I couldn’t stand the heroine. I found her to be immature, whiny, and unlikeable. I didn’t care for the hero either. It made for a tedious read and a book that I’ll be giving away.
belovedbrat's review
4.0
first reviewed here: https://belovedgraceful-carissasbookshelf.blogspot.com/2021/01/dreams-of-savannah-by-roseanna-m-white.html
Title: Dreams of Savannah
Author: Roseanna M. White
Ch: 26
Pg: 400
Genre: Christian Historical fiction
Rating: 4 stars
Publisher: Bethany House
While Dreams of Savannah is out of my historical fiction wheel house I did however this new historical from Roseanna M White. It did start out slow but picked up after a few chapters. I loved Cordelia Delia from the very first page but it took me a while to Phineas Phin. But throughout the book as he grew and changed he grew on me.
What I loved about the novel was both Delia and Phin both realized that they had a lot to learn about themselves, each other and the world around them. And it changed both of the them. Delia’s love or story and wanting to tell others stories really hit home with the history nerd and genealogist in me. She felt like a kindred spirit. Though I think Luther is my favorite character from the book. I loved his wisdom and the fact that he tells Phin what he needs to hear even if he doesn’t want to hear it.
While Dreams of Savannah is set during the civil war Roseanna M. White handles the subject with grace and truth. It is a timely book with a message that is still needs to heard today. And it shows that we still have a lot to learn.
I received a complimentary copy Dreams of Savannah from the publishers. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Title: Dreams of Savannah
Author: Roseanna M. White
Ch: 26
Pg: 400
Genre: Christian Historical fiction
Rating: 4 stars
Publisher: Bethany House
While Dreams of Savannah is out of my historical fiction wheel house I did however this new historical from Roseanna M White. It did start out slow but picked up after a few chapters. I loved Cordelia Delia from the very first page but it took me a while to Phineas Phin. But throughout the book as he grew and changed he grew on me.
What I loved about the novel was both Delia and Phin both realized that they had a lot to learn about themselves, each other and the world around them. And it changed both of the them. Delia’s love or story and wanting to tell others stories really hit home with the history nerd and genealogist in me. She felt like a kindred spirit. Though I think Luther is my favorite character from the book. I loved his wisdom and the fact that he tells Phin what he needs to hear even if he doesn’t want to hear it.
While Dreams of Savannah is set during the civil war Roseanna M. White handles the subject with grace and truth. It is a timely book with a message that is still needs to heard today. And it shows that we still have a lot to learn.
I received a complimentary copy Dreams of Savannah from the publishers. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
deannah's review
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.0
A well-written and researched novel. I would be super apprehensive as a white woman to write a novel set in the Civil War South with wealthy white protagonists. I think there is just a whole lot of ways to be offensive and very few ways to be successful. That being said, based on the acknowledgements at the end of the book, White had people read and give feedback to combat those particular pitfalls.
There was a lot of heavy scripture quoting in this one, due to a preacher being a main character.
There was a lot of heavy scripture quoting in this one, due to a preacher being a main character.