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4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
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19%
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2 star
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Angie
3.0 out of 5 stars Good, But Just Slightly Rushed
Reviewed in the United States on November 19, 2018
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Overall, I liked the story and characters, but I thought the novella length left things feeling a little rushed, especially when we completely skip three weeks in what's already a very short time frame. It doesn't give a whole lot of time to really get to know and understand anyone's feelings and attitudes, so maybe that was why I was a bit confused on some of the characters' motivations.

Opal left me a bit mystified--one minute she was fighting down her feelings for Tristan and the next minute she was bemoaning the fact that love and romance didn't exist in the real world. And while I appreciated the complexity of Tristan's background, some of his thoughts and attitudes didn't ring quite true for me.

I did really like the way the tension of holding on vs. moving on was portrayed and the growth in Opal's mother over the course of the story. Also, I haven't read the first book, so I probably didn't appreciate the appearances of Ella and Westley like I should have. ;) Still, I enjoyed the story overall.

Content--a few kisses; some vague, near-suicidal impulses; mentions of a young woman not being allowed to undress a man she is nursing; mentions of profanity (not written); *spoiler* mentions of a man's inappropriate looks and comments toward a woman; mentions of young women being assaulted/abused and killed *spoiler*
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Trudi G. Lopreto
5.0 out of 5 stars A Southern Delight
Reviewed in the United States on October 13, 2018
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I love books about the old South and this one did not disappoint. Opal is a young woman trying to learn to live in the new poor South as the War Between the States is ending. she and her mother are alone on their plantation having lost their husband/father to the war. Life is hard, money is short and times are bad. Tristan has fought the battle, suffering head wounds and trying to find his way home. He ends up exhausted on Opal's porch and the mother and daugher take him in and tend to him until he is back in good health. Tristan stays to help the two woman and soon love is in the air. There are all the elements to make this a good read, the lovely young girl, the handsome hero and the carpetbagger up to no good. It was a very fast and entertaining read.
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The Voracious Reader
5.0 out of 5 stars I Had No Problem Giving This One Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on October 15, 2018
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The war had stripped Riverbend plantation and taken Opal Martin’s father. But when the river washes Tristan Stuart to their doorstep, Opal realizes he has suffered more and lost more. She nurses him back to physical health, but she’s afraid she’ll not be able to ease his mind. When a devious carpetbagger tries to finagle his way into her home, she is beset with worry. What will become of her and Mother and this new awakening in her heart for a half-broken man who may never want her?

This was a very well-written book. Some of the descriptions were amazing with pictures painted by a few choice words. This was 1865, but the word “carpetbagger” didn’t come into the vocabulary until 1867. Also, they would have not known to pour whiskey over a wound. That’s why so many soldiers died of gangrene. Ella was a blonde and then a redhead. But these are minor things compared with the wonderful story. I had no problem giving it 5 stars.
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Joni Rogers
5.0 out of 5 stars If you like historical fiction with a touch of romance, you will like this novella.
Reviewed in the United States on June 12, 2019
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From another reviewer who stated it very well:
""The Heart of Home" by Stephenia H. McGee is a companion novella to In His Eyes. "The Heart of Home" can be read as a stand alone, but, I recommend reading" In His Eyes" first to get the background story.
This novel is a love story that begins in an unusual way, a nearly drowned soldier appears and asks if he can die on her porch."

If you like historical fiction with a touch of romance, you will like this novella.
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MJM 19 Fire tablet
5.0 out of 5 stars Sweet and flowering love.
Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2019
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So much death and hopelessness enveloped the south during the civil war. Away of life had been destroyed but it's people proved to be the most resilient! When Opal and Tristen finally saw each other for the true love that was enveloping them , it was a new beginning. It was a new adventure and a new time when change equals love. Thank you Ms. McGhee for sharing a wonderful story. It was an Awesome Dawson book that didn't fail to excite. Thank you, mjm
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Janet
4.0 out of 5 stars Post-Civil War South
Reviewed in the United States on August 17, 2020
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A sweet, quick read set in the months following the end of the Civil War. I appreciated the resiliency of the characters as they trusted in God's will, despite the overwhelming loss and devastation they had experienced. I wish the book had been longer to delve deeper into some of the issues the characters were dealing with, but overall, I enjoyed it!
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Barbara Ann Hull Labbe
5.0 out of 5 stars Love After War
Reviewed in the United States on August 2, 2020
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This is my first book that I’ve read by Stephania McGee but it will not be the last! I enjoyed the story of the era after the Civil War and the struggle to get back to normal. The story of Opal & Tristan shows love can blossom through pain of loss & hardships. And in the end, God’s faith will guide you through.
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ELindndsey
3.0 out of 5 stars A peek at the post civil war south
Reviewed in the United States on November 13, 2018
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This story provides a pleasant read . The author has developed a realistic potential look into the lives of men and women in the south immediately after the war. I look forward to reading another of her stories to see how she matures as a writer. This short story left me wishing that she had developed both her characters and the story plot with many more details and actions.
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Top reviews from other countries

Stephanie Gordon
5.0 out of 5 stars A very well written true to life story!
Reviewed in Canada on September 13, 2018
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I loved this book! I didn't want to put it down. The characters and events were true to life for the time period. Many became stronger and I am happy Stephenia included this in her book. I can certainly understand their trials and triumphs for all they went through during the Civil War.

This book kept my thoughts going for many many days as I felt immersed in their pain and sadness. It made me look around and thank the Lord for all the blessings in my life. I pray you enjoy it as much as I did.
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Yvonnei
5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely beautiful read
Reviewed in Canada on September 17, 2019
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This was my first time reading this author. What a wonderful read! I loved everything about this book. I had already read "In his Eyes, which was the first book. I loved reading this follow up book.
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