Characters who fell in love in the past
- The Butcher’s Daughter by Parker J. Cole | A Story of Black Gotham | A Book Review
Genre: Historical Romance | Christian Romance
Period: 1849 (Harriet Tubman escaped to freedom)
Location: The Lower Manhattan area, New York
Elsia Letchmore has been in love with childhood friend Zelpher Knight since they were young. She had spent three long years waiting for his return. Now, she is forced to retrieve the man she loves, who rather chases after his dreams than keeps his promise to her. Zelpher, who is passing as a white man in the 1840s, is determined to follow his dream of being on stage. Yet he is slowly losing himself and the life he wants when Elsia, the only person who could see past his lies and flaws, comes to bring him home.
“Yet, I feel real whenever I am with you. In your presence, I am me.”
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
What Makes The Butcher’s Daughter by Parker J. Cole A Good Read
1. History and Fiction
I love the intertwined of historical events and fiction storytelling. The author does a great job of painting a clear picture of what life could have been like in that time period while adding historical facts and events.
2. Passing
This story brings up the topic of ‘passing’ from different viewpoints. We see how passing could affect a whole family from the people who decide to pass as white, the person who participates in it but doesn’t want to, and the family member who can’t. Also, I like that the author added the fact that some of the family members who are passing are jealous over the success and accomplishment of a darker family that couldn’t nor doesn’t want to pass. It adds more depth to the characters and shows the complexity of passing in that time period.
3. A Fool in Love
While I hate how Elsia’s love for Zelpheri makes her somewhat of a foolish woman, I admire how her love is displayed. It is full of conflict, hope, desire, angst, and passion. All of those emotions force me to root for Elisa’s love despite my thoughts on Zelpher.
4. Guessing
One thing that I like about the author is that she keeps you guessing. When you think you have something figured out, she throws you a curveball.
What I Would Have Liked to See Happen
1. Oh Ciara
I felt Ciara’s point-of-view in the book was distracting. It takes away from the main characters’ story and slows the book down, unlike Zoe’s point-of-view, which adds and ties into the story more.
2. Family Ties
It would have been nice to see more scenes on the relationship between Elsia and her father Apollo after she revealed her only secret, and more of the relationship between Zelpheri and her father after she told the truth, or the development of Zelpheri’s relationship with his sister.
Book Review and Recommendation
Review: 4.4/5
Recommendation: 4/5
As always, check out my Top Three Things, which contains spoilers, by clicking “here” !!!
To check out more books by Parker J. Cole, click here.
- A Groom for Agatha by Parker J. Cole | The Blizzard Brides | A Book Review
Genre: Historical Romance | Christian Romance | Older Woman – Younger Man
Period: 1879 (The year of the “Exodus of 1879“- many blacks fled the south to live in Kansas)
Location: Nebraska
Agatha Waters doesn’t want a new husband, nor she is seeking to get remarry like the other widows in town. The thought of sharing her home and her bed with someone who isn’t her late husband makes her shiver with disgust, or so she thought. Lance Montcalm returns home to find a trouble Agatha – his best friend’s stepmom and the woman he secretly has loved since his youth. He is more than willing to protect her from the dangerous man around her and to grab his only chance of making her his wife. And hopefully, he will win her love in the future.
“I’m not signing anything until you kiss me.”
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
What Makes A Groom for Agatha by Parker J. Cole A Good Read
1. Age Difference
I am a big fan of romance books in which the female character is older than the male character since there are so few of them. In this novella, while their age is a factor, it doesn’t burden the main characters’ relationship. Agatha sees him as a capable and smart man who can protect and provide for her. And Lance, while respectful of Agatha as an older woman, has no issue in seeing her as simply his wife. Thus, allowing us to see how other and more important factors play a role in their relationship.
2. Chemistry
From the first chapter to the last chapter, the chemistry between Agatha and Lance is explosive. Although it is explosive, I love it for the complications that are mixed into it. (Agatha’s dealing with her attraction to Lance while still mourning her late husband’s death and Lance being respectful of that.) This gives the characters’ romance more depth.
3. The External Problem
I love the external problem that brought them together, although I feel for Agatha for having to make a serious choice because of it. This problem alludes to the fact of how difficult it was for women in that time period to stand on their own two feet.
4. Legacy
While this doesn’t contribute to the overall plot of the story, I like that the author shows that one’s legacy doesn’t have to be passed on from generation to generation, especially if the next generation doesn’t want to. But a legacy can also be passed on to others in the same generation or by close friends.
What I would have liked to See Happen
1. Nothing
This is the second book I didn’t have any complaints about. In my opinion, the book was well-written with a great plot and characters that kept me interested. It was wonderful from beginning to end.
Book Review and Recommendation
Review: 4.8/5
Recommendation: 5/5
As always, check out my Top Three Things, which contains spoilers, by clicking “here” !!!
To check out more books by Parker J. Cole, click here.
- A Groom for Purity by Parker J. Cole | The Blizzard Brides | A Book Review
Genre: Historical Romance | Christian Romance
Period: 1879 (The year of the “Exodus of 1879“- several blacks fled the south to live in Kansas)
Location: On the Trail to Nebraska
Purity “Par” Pennington has no trouble pretending to be a man if she overlooked the reason why she started to pretend to be one in the first place. What she is having trouble with is the vexing passenger riding in her stagecoach, who stirs up her heart. Livingstone ‘Caspar’ Smith isn’t looking to stir anyone’s heart except his future bride, who is waiting for him in Nebraska. Yet, after the stagecoach was robbed, and they were abandoned in the wilderness, he finds his heart being tempted by the man who is helping him survive.
“Help me to be a man like you.”
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
What Makes A Groom for Purity by Parker J. Cole A Good Read
1. A Different Type of Man
The male character isn’t my usual taste or one that is commonly seen in romance books. Yet, it was refreshing to have a character like Casper in the center of this love story. While he has major character flaws, such as not knowing when to stop talking and what to do in their current situation, he has other admirable characteristics, which include admitting when he is wrong, being willing to learn from others, and being a gentleman at all times. The author expands on the type of character that can be the leading male in a romance book. And, I like it!
2. How They Run
Both Par and Casper are running away from something. What I like is how the author shows how the characters deal with their situations and express their pain based on the characters’ personalities. It gives Par and Casper more depth to who they are.
3. Be a Man
(The song from Mulan is currently playing in my head.)The portrayal of Par as a man is perfect. We don’t just see a woman dressed in men’s clothes, who is hiding and trying not to be noticed. We see a woman who is actively living and creating a life for herself as a man. This is seen in her mannerism, language, and rash attitude. And, sis isn’t afraid of throwing hands or pointing a gun at a man!
4. The Best Man?
In the story, the gender roles and expectations are switched. Par is unruly and quick temper while being capable of surviving and providing herself and others in most situations. Casper, on the other, is polished and well-mannered but isn’t strong nor is able to depend on himself in the book’s current situation. Yet, it doesn’t take away from the feminine of Par and the masculine of Casper and allows them to connect with one another.
What I feel Some Kinda Way About
1. The Time Frame
I feel like I always mention this in almost all of my reviews, so I won’t elaborate.
2. Ottie
It seems as if the characters don’t care about her, and she is just an afterthought. Given Casper’s gentlemanly personality and Par’s history, their attitude to her situation was unexpected.
3. Not Long Enough
I really enjoyed reading about Par’s and Casper’s love; however, I felt they were too interesting and their personalities were too large for a short story. They deserve a longer story!
Book Review and Recommendation
Review: 3.5/5
Recommendation: 4/5
As always, check out my Top Three Things, which contains spoilers, by clicking “here” !!!
To check out more books by Parker J. Cole, click here.
- The Butterscotch Bride by Parker J. Cole | A Book Review
Genre: Historical Romance | Christian Romance
Period: 1855 (6 years before the Civil War)
Location: Alabama
The Butterscotch Bride is an antebellum story of two slaves who are discovering love in a dark world. Permelia has never seen the hardship of slavery as her missus’s ‘favorite’, while it left scars on Horace’s body and soul. Yet, As their attraction for each other grows stronger, they find their worlds colliding and questions forming: What does freedom mean to them, and what is it worth?
“I wanna kiss you…see if’n you taste as good as dat butterscotch.”
What Makes A Butterscotch Bride by Parker J. Cole A Good Read
1. Complexity of Characters
Along with the main characters, the supporting characters are written with complex backgrounds and experience their own issues as well as internal conflicts. It makes each character unique and gives them a three-dimensional characteristic, that makes you understand and relate to them.
2. A Different Kind of Story
I think that the author created a unique setting for the characters of this story. This uniqueness of the slaves’ situation on this plantation creates a grey area that is rarely seen in antebellum stories, especially for Permelia’s situation. This allows the characters to question and challenge what they know, what they want, and the reasons behind it.
3. Respect
Even though the majority of the black people in the novel are slaves, they have a good level of respect for themselves and for others in their situations despite mistrust and jealousy. This is refreshing to see and gives the characters more depth.
What I Feel Some Kinda Way About
1. The End
I felt the ending was a little rush. I would have like to see more of what the characters went through and the feeling or thought–process for decisions that were made, especially after seeing the characters struggling internally throughout the story.
Book Review and Recommendation
Review: 4.2/5
Recommendation: 4.2/5
As always check out my Top Three Things, which contains spoilers, by clicking “here” !!!
To check out more books by Parker J. Cole, click here.
- A Groom for Altar by Parker J. Cole | The Blizzard Brides | A Book Review
Genre: Historical Romance | Christian Romance
Period: 1878 (8 years after the 15th Amendment, which allowed Black males to vote, was added to the U.S. Constitution)
Location: Nebraska
Altar isn’t looking for a groom but a father for her unborn child after her husband died in a blizzard storm. However, it is Wolfe Laingsburg that walks through the door of her home when she goes into sudden labor. Wolfe isn’t prepared for the scene before him when he opens the door. He came to Last Chance, Nebraska in search of a woman he may or may not marry. Yet, due to the compromising position that he finds himself in with Altar, he may be getting married sooner than he planned to.
“Miss, I’m a praying man and before I do anything. I’m going to pray about it.”
What Makes A Groom for Altar by Parker J. Cole A Good Read
1. A Sweet Romance
The romance between Altar and Wolfe is extremely sweet. It is full of communication, respect, and getting to know one another. Wolfe is always respectful of Altar and her choices while Altar tries to make Wolfe comfortable in the relationship and in her home. I think it is an excellent foundation for a blooming romance.
2. Mother/Woman
The author shows us a glimpse of what it is like to start a relationship as a mother. A new one at that. The author did a great job of showing how stressful giving birth can be on the body afterward. The author also shows how you want your man to understand you as a mother but still see you as a woman.
3. The Past
The past plays a major role in the characters’ personalities and how they handle situations. However, they don’t let it dictate their relationship with one another.
4. God-Fearing
I like that the author created the main male character with a strong faith and gave him a biblical story background. Usually, it is the female characters in a story that have a strong faith. It is good to see a man praying in the story.
What I would have like to See Happen
1. Introduction of Characters
I love the characters in the book even the side characters. I wished that the reader could see more of them and their interaction with the main characters.
2. Loose Ends
There are too many questions that were left unanswered especially about Altar. The author explained the major questions but other questions that I think are important were not. To me, if those questions were answered it would give a deeper look into the characters.
Book Review and Recommendation
Review: 3.8/5
Recommendation: 4/5
As always check out my Top Three Things, which contains spoilers, by clicking “here” !!!
To check out more books by Parker J. Cole, click here.
- Legacy by Chanta Rand | A Book Review
Genre: Historical Romance
Period: 1930’s (Prohibition Era and the Great Depression)
Location: Detroit, Michigan
A legacy is what Jackson Chandler wants to build for his siblings and future family, which he plans to start with the woman is courting. With this beautiful, yet spoiled woman from a prestigious family, he hopes to turn his illegal family business into a legit and respectable one. Yet, an encounter with Miss Jolene Edwards at a mystery antique shop has him thinking about someone other than the woman he plans to build his future with. Jackson finds himself looking for Jolene every chance he gets. And every chance Jolene gets, she spends running away from Jackson, who she hates with a passion. But it seems luck is on Jackson’s side, thanks to his illicit establishment, he can provide Jolene with a job to earn the money that she needs.
“She almost fell, but not for you.”
What Makes Legacy by Chanta Randa A Good Read
- The female characters are definitely one aspect I like about this book.
Each female character is different from one another, and each has a complex personality. This is not limited to the main female character but the minor ones as well. With each female in the book, you get to see different types of black women from different social classes during the great depression, and how they handle life.
2. Diverse walks of life for blacks during the Great Depression .
When I think of the Great Depression and blacks during this time, my mind immediately pictures poor blacks in overalls cover in mud (history book pictures). However, this book shows a different take on black lives base on economic status: broke-poor, working-poor, new money, and generational wealth.
3. Unconventional things fill this book.
- Jackson, who is financially well off, is looking to marry up instead of the main female character.
- Jolene is a rum-runner, who loves and is good at the job.
- Blacks occupying different spaces, such as rum-runner, race car driver, and union worker, in the book, which are not common in black historical romance novels.
4. Historical references are throughout the pages of the novel.
The author does an excellent job of tying them into the story plot. She also gives a summary of them at the end of the book and provides references.
5.The male main character is a pleasure to read.
While Jackson isn’t a perfect angel, he is respectful towards all the female characters. He was also supportive to the ones that he was close to. Yet, what I like most about Jackson is his ability to push forward despite his insecurities.
What I would have like to See Happen
- Time!
The time in which the characters interacted with each other was short. And, the pace of the story was fast. However, I didn’t feel cheated by the time frame in which they fell in love. Maybe, I am biased. It is my opinion, that many couples during this era quickly married after meeting.
2. Tying-up Loose End in the Story!
Due to the uneventful side dramas mix with unfinished business between the characters, I feel cheated from juicy scenes. I feel that the author could have extended the story more to tie up loose ends between characters.
Book Review and Recommendation
Review: 3.8/5
Recommendation: 4.2/5
As always check out my Top Three Things by clicking “here”!!!
