Well...there were some things I liked and some things that I did not like.
First off, I loved the prologue (even though thirteen is WAYYYYY too young to have your first kiss). It really showed how the relationship was between the characters at the time.
That being said, after the prologue, not much is shown about their childhood friendship. (can i even call it that?) I was a bit disappointed because I felt like the friends-to-lovers trope was underdeveloped. Part of the charm of that trope is seeing how their interactions changed over the years.
So, after the prologue, the rest of the book is in the present, when they are in their twenties. I am not sure how this book could be considered a romance because they don't spend any time with each other. Most of it was the main girl wondering why she was engaged to some other man when she didn't even like him. A little disappointing? yeah.
Rating: 3 Stars
Content: 3 Stars
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. ( )

My Review:

Genre: Historical, Christian fiction, Civil War, and some romance.

Rating: 4 and 1/2 stars.

My Recommendation: 16 up. Warnings below.

My Favorite Character/s: Schuyler was an interesting guy. I enjoyed getting to read his point of view which surprised me since I’ve read a few Civil War books that I ended care for the male point of view.

He was somewhat annoying at first but as the book went on I ended up loving how he and Joelle were friends or rather enemies I suppose.

My Verse for Schuyler is Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (King James Version.)

My Thoughts: I was running so short on time this review, normally when that happens I skim the book but I couldn’t . . . The book was too good! I loved almost all of it except for some things that were mentioned by the bad guys and people who disagreed with the laws that were put in place after the Civil War.

Warnings: Insults, a man gets drunk and mentions of drunkenness, racist remarks from bad guys, a two murders and mentions of how the victims were murdered.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review and am truly happy to provide it. All the thoughts are my own.

Joelle Daughtry has very strong & loud opinions, but a very quiet voice. Some may call her shy, but she has learned to fight her battles in her own way...without the need to speak...at least not verbally. While Joelle may battle shyness, she does not hesitate to battle for causes she believes in by writing under a pseudonym with the local newspaper. While fighting for her causes, she is also battling her childhood nemesis Schuyler Beaumont. But with events unfolding around Daughtry House putting everyone at danger When danger begins to unravel the local community due to the Klu Klux Klan, Joelle has no choice but to work with Schuyler to protect those she loves...and she may love end up loving her enemy in the bargain.

Another great book in the Daughtry House series. On to book 3 which I received from LibraryThing Early Reviewers and led me down this Daughtry House road! ( )

The aftermath of the Civil War left much loss and destruction in its wake. This was not only physical but also emotional. Joelle was trying to rebuild her and her sister’s lives by turning their grand home into a hotel. It was not an easy transition financially or otherwise. Her strength and determination were impressive, especially during a time when women were considered lesser than men. Her courage was even greater in her compassion and work to help the ex-slaves build lives with their new found freedom. There is no doubt that Joelle’s driving force in her integrity was her faith in God.
If only helping her family and the slaves was that easy. The war had left bitterness in the hearts of many men who did not agree with the outcome. Without national combat on their side, they crept into the woodwork, hiding their hatred and plotting in darkness. Like many, Joelle was unaware of exactly who these sinister people were until she was viewed as their enemy.
Schuyler Beaumont is a childhood friend of Joelle’s. He is wealthy and had a reputation before the war of being self-serving. It has changed him too, as also wants to help the newly freed people. The murder of his father during a political speech puts him on the path to find the killer. Working undercover he draws closer to finding his man, even going as far as to join the Ku Klux Klan.
This book is not only rich in historical facts but also in detail what those in the South faced after the Civil War. The characters are and in-depth. I saw there was another battle raging I had not considered after the last shot was fired. You hear of the evil workings of groups like the KKK but don’t realize how terrifying the people they targeted. In the midst of all this there is also romance and humor. A fantastic book! ( )

I received this book in a Librarything early reviewers giveaway. This story reminded me a little of the woman who founded Berry college in Rome Ga. I read a lot of books like this one when I was a teen and I believe that would be the right age to target with this story. It's an enjoyable story and at times inspiring. ( )