Southern Belles

Cactus Creek, Book 5

By: Janice Cole Hopkins

Narrated by: Douglas Birk, Jennifer Groberg

Joanna Dobson comes to stay at the King Ranch because Magnolia, her mother, was Abby King’s cousin. Joanna is immediately interested in Grayson Fox, but the recent death of his parents has him questioning if he ever wants to marry.

In the meantime, Adele Mead is caught in a rough situation in Maryland. When she rescues a hurt man, she falls hard for him, but she has a difficult time convincing him he’s the right man for her, although she knows he cares for her. When she does, they must flee, and they head west toward Cactus Creek.

As these stories merge, can they all find the happiness they so desperately long for in the aftermath of the Civil War?

©2021 Janice Cole Hopkins (P)2022 Janice Cole Hopkins

Really kept me on the edge of my seat

This is a book of love and the struggles of dealing with racism. Two women and 2 men of different origins needing the help of God and a town with accepting people to help them find a place for them to be accepted and able to be loved. Joanna with a man of mixed Indian and white blood, having to win over her mother's approval most of all. Adele with a man that was forced into a slave after the dr died that raised him and educated him as his son. Then his freedom papers mysteriously disappeared and the cruel slave owner made him his slave. A very exciting story from old civil war.

Great Story and Two Love Adventures

This story was awesome and engaging! Sad how people's prejudices can try to stop love, but great how God guides them to overcome what others think! I love how there were 2 stories here that converged in the end. I loved this whole series!!!

Good

Civil war when love and trust are not easy. Interesting and well done. Given audio for my voluntary review

Overcoming Prejudices

Two culture-challenging romances of that time in history. These stories are handled in a realistic and believable manner, with likable characters and despicable villains. This is an entertaining and thought-provoking novel.

Good listen

I enjoyed this story of love in which skin tone, while it played a distinct part due to the time period, didn't matter to those who were in love. 2 strong willed ladies had to convince their men that they loved them despite their race/heritage.

The Lord led them across country to a small town that had more people in it that accepted them than it did those who didn't.

This was a sweet story, allbeit long. The narrative was ok for the most part, didn't care for some of the men's voices.

I received a free copy of this audiobook and I am voluntarily leaving this review.

Loved it

Loved the coming together of these two families. Both ladies proved that the heart recognizes its other half.

God's People Show His Love

I enjoyed the acceptance and love that poured from God's people toward all without regard to race. The book is inspirational, romantic, and adventurous. The characters are wonderful and realistic. I liked the way God brought them all together from all across the country to minister to one another's needs. This book was also brought out the historical events before, during and after the Civil War through the stories of the characters. I appreciate the clean language and content and way God' Word is worked into the story.

The narration was good. I always like the man and woman narration. It helps recognize the characters and enhances the story.

I requested this audio book from the author and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

Overcoming Prejudice

What a great ending for this series. The narrators were wonderful and continued their interruption of the book. We are introduced to a couple of new characters, Joanna and Adele, both ladies from the south. We will find that this story follows the prejudices of the time period of slaves and Indians. The author will allow this to be part of the story, to show what God intended for us all. To be kind to our neighbors and he is the only one who should judge. Love conquers all.
I was given an ARC of this book by the author for an honest review.