From This Day Forward
4.3
5
8
8
Riveting Novel, but Lacking Historical Elements
I really, really wanted to give this book more than 3 stars, but in good conscience, I just couldn't. The story on it's own was riveting beyond belief, but I struggled to believe it was a historical novel, especially one set in the early 1800's. Sure, they had no electricity, they farmed their land, they got hot in the summertime because of no air conditioning, but nothing really transported me almost 200 years back in time. I was also easily bored with all the wishy-washy mentions of Rachel returning to England, as well as Nathan thinking that was the best plan for her, too. One other thing that just niggled at me was the overuse of the word "pivot." I know that's small, but when a word that's not used often in every-day conversation is used so much in the span of 300 pages, it becomes noticeable.
Truly, though, I loved the story itself--a stubborn woman with almost nothing to her name determined to make a life for herself and her newborn daughter. Throw in a couple of surprise young'uns that were spitfires at first, then sweethearts shortly thereafter, along with a half-way decent mystery, and it was a mostly pleasing read. However, when I read a historical novel, I long for it to take me back to that distant time and place so I can feel apart of it. That was missing here, and it was too difficult to overlook.
December 13, 2012
A very heart warming story that wil restore your faith in mankind!
December 5, 2012
Delightful Read
From This Day Forward by Margaret Daley is a delightful tale of Rachel Gordon, a young English woman who has arrived in Charleston, South Carolina shortly after the War of 1812. While en-route to her plantation, she meets with an accident and goes into premature labor. Nathan Stuart happens along the road and comes to her rescue.
Rachel has no desire to be beholding to any man, but seems to have no choice in the matter. Nathan refuses to take her to her new home, unless she agrees for him to help.
Nathan fights his own bitter memories as a former physician. He feels the need to help widow Rachel, but doesn't want to get emotionally involved either.
Conflict and misunderstanding abound as these two try to eek out a living on Rachel's farm. Both desire for it to be a short-term relationship, until Rachel can be on her own. Will they learn to compromise and work together, or continue to be in turmoil?
I found Margaret's book to be a wonderfully woven tale that kept me hooked to each word. I highly recommend this book.
* This book was provided free for review by the author and Summerside Press.
March 31, 2012
Wonderful Historical Read!
Margaret Daley takes us on a journey to historical Charleston, South Carolina, during the aftermath of the war of 1812, a still somewhat savage land, fraught with outlaws, alligators, and the daily fight for survival. Our heroine, Rachel Gordon, is on her way to Charleston from England with her husband, to settle in their new plantation home, when he falls overboard in a drunken stupor, leaving Rachel to fend for herself in a strange new land; pregnant and alone. There she is met with disappointment, finding only a run down farm near a swamp and her handsome, new neighbor Nathan Stuart.
Nathan Stuart, once a doctor, has given up the profession and has become a self-imposed loner, still deeply affected by the ravages of war. He offers to help Rachel work the farm, and the suspense begins! A dead body is discovered in the farmhouse, someone is stealing things off of her farm...add a couple of alligator attacks in the mix, and you have a wonderful southern romance/suspense novel sure to keep you turning the pages.
This is the first time I have read any of Margaret Daley's novels, and I enjoyed it very much, especially since I live close to Charleston, SC. Ms. Daley's research is impeccable, and her characters very realistic. She deals with some heavy issues...post traumatic stress disorder, spousal abuse, and pregnancy before marriage to name a few, but does so with discretion. I am looking forward to reading more of this author's books. Nicely done!
January 9, 2012
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