Camellia: Song of the River (2) - eBook
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Great Read
Camellia is convinced that if she doesn't go to finishing school in New Orleans that she will never be able to marry a rich husband and escape her life on the river.
Jonah Thorton is a spy for the Union Army who comes from a wealthy family in New Orleans, and checking up on a family friend, named Camellia is the perfect cover. Sparks fly between Camellia and Jonah as they get caught up in the terrifying world of spying.
Filled with action and intrigue, Camellia invites the reader in to the world of spying during the Civil War. This is the second book in a series, and I would highly recommend reading Lily first because Camellia keeps up with the main characters from the first book and the relationships will make more sense if you do. The World of Camellia is lush and chock full of intriguing characters, that are at times a bit hard to keep track of. But I loved the intricacy of the plot and getting to see old characters featured in this sequel.
Overall, this was a wonderful read and I think I appreciated this book so much more because I had already read the previous book, and that way I could just jump into the story and I didn't have to wonder what was going on. I loved all the characters and there were some great surprises along the way, a very enjoyable read. I eagerly look forward to reading its sequel.
I received this book from the publisher in return for an honest review. Thank you!
May 6, 2013
I really liked it...
Quick thought after reading some other reviews: I found the first little bit of the book cleared up quickly any relationship questions that I had since I did not read the first book. I really liked the book... maybe because I didn't read Lily first?
I certainly had a hard time putting Camellia down until I had turned the last page. Another novel set during the Civil War {seems to be a theme for me at the moment, LOL}, a neat turn to this one was `seeing' Vicksburg in my mind while reading the latter part of the novel which was set there. We had a family reunion there by the river, and spent a day at the Civil War locations. The National Graveyard there is a sight to behold. Definitely a trip I recommend as highly as this book!
Camellia {the character} starts out a little a lot on the self preoccupied side, which is as irritating in a novel as it is real life. But it is interesting to read her transformation as her eyes and heart open to what was the big issue with slavery... the belief that the slaves were not to be considered as human beings. After watching the movie, The Help, also based around that premise, it is heartbreaking to think of the years people lived in miserable conditions because others had power over them. I treat my pets better than most treated their servants/slaves. The title you give them is based on whether it was before or after the slaves were freed... but was there a big difference in the way they were treated until MLK? I believe consideration of others is a very important aspect of how we interact with others, and hope that my children learn from my actions that it doesn't matter whether someone is rich, poor, or of a different skin tone... you treat them like you want to be treated yourself.
Back to the book...
Diane Ashley and Aaron McCarver take you through all that `mess', and manage to weave a beautiful love story in there as well. Camellia grows into a woman as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside, and her leading man is dashing and heroic as a Civil War novel demands of him. Her family is hilarious, and I can't wait to read the story of her older sister, and am hoping they continue this series with the other family members too. ~Kimberlee, www.TheSpunkyDiva.com
DISCLOSURE: I received a copy of this book from NetGalley to review. The opinions contained in this review are 100% my own opinionated opinions.
February 6, 2013
A Riveting Read!
In Camellia, Book Two in The Song of the River series, Diane Ashley sweeps us away to beautiful Mississippi, with its majestic, tropical fruit plantations and azalea covered grounds, to the tumult and darkness of the Civil War, secrets -- and betrayal.
Camellia Anderson has always lived a self-centered life, wishing only to go to finishing school that she might attract a rich, handsome husband and live in a mansion with the most fashionable attire, jewelry, and possessions. Against her elder sister's better judgement she goes to New Orleans, confident that the Confederate troops will be able to hold off the Yankees and she will abide in safety there.
Camellia becomes fast friends with Jane Watkins and together they attend the finest balls and events, and under the tutelage of the school's headmistress, Mrs. Dabbs, they learn the skills to become a lady in every sense of the word. Just when life seemingly can't get any better for Camellia, she meets the man of her dreams -- Captain Thad Watkins of the Confederate army and brother of her friend, Jane.
Thad is the most handsome man Camellia has ever beheld and seems to be her perfect match, and she quickly begins thinking about marriage. Then Jonah Thornton enters her life again, a man with a deep, dark secret, and soon Camellia finds herself and her friends in the utmost danger. Both men vie for her heart, but which will Camellia choose? As she becomes immersed in unselfishly tending to the wounded, does Camellia find out what her true calling really is and what is really important in life?
This was an awesome and realistic book with a strong storyline -- depicting the horrors of war, but also throwing in episodes of enjoyment and humor so as not to depress the reader. I loved the main and secondary characters!...and although this is the second book in The Song of the River series it may be read as a stand alone. I also loved the fact that there is a strong spiritual thread of forgiveness, redemption, and salvation throughout this book. Very nicely done, Diane T. Ashley and Aaron McCarver!
I received a copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest opinion.
February 10, 2013
History, Romance And The Civil War = Great Read!
Diane T. Ashley and Aaron McCarver in their new book, "Camellia" Book Two in the Song Of The River series published by Barbour Publishing, Inc. takes us into the life of Camellia Anderson.
From the back cover: A heart torn between North and South
Camellia Anderson misses her life of wealth and privilege. She misses the balls, she misses the suitors...and she's bored with hearing about politics despite the undeniable wave of unrest raging across the South. Then an opportunity to attend finishing school in New Orleans brings Thad Watkins-staunch Southern supporter and dashing soldier-into her world, and they begin a whirlwind courtship.
Jonah Thornton is disappointed when he sees Camellia growing closer to Thad. He has admired Camellia from afar even though he knows he is no more than a friend to her. Having questioned the practice of slavery in the past, and without much hope of finding love with Camellia, Jonah heads north to join the Union Army.
When an injury brings Jonah back into Camellia's life, she is both challenged and drawn to this man of strong convictions. Suddenly Camellia is torn between two loves-just as the nation is torn between north and south. But is she willing to risk everything-her reputation, her life, and her heart-to save a Union soldier?
Diane T. Ashley and Aaron McCarver return us to a South that doesn't exist anymore with absolutely interesting characters set against the backdrop of The Civil War. Ms. Ashley and Mr. McCarver know how to tell a great story because they have filled it with tension. Camellia is the younger sister of Lily's from the first book. Jonah and Camellia do not get along. Camellia wants her lifestyle back and is being courted by Thad so Jonah heads north to join the Union Army. It takes Jonah being wounded to return home and then Camellia must decide who she will spend her future with, Thad or Jonah. Many kudos to Ms. Ashley and Mr. McCarver for a truly memorable, fun book, I was sorry to see it end. The good news is Book Three in this series is not far away. I can hardly wait.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Barbour Publishing, Inc. 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."
February 8, 2013
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