The first novel in USA Today Bestselling Author Beverly Jenkins’s compelling new series follows a Northern woman south in the chaotic aftermath of the Civil War . . .
Grade: 4.5
Valinda Lacey has come south to teach the newly freed how to read. She has a desire to make a difference in the world before marrying her betrothed. Captain Drake LeVeq uses his resources and influence to help his city grow. Valinda interests Drake, but he knows he cannot have her for more than friendship.
Rebel had been on my list to read for a while because it was based in New Orleans. I was hesitant to pick it up as I’m usually not a fan of books set 1850-1950 (yes, I know that’s a weird time frame to exclude from my reading tastes). I’m really glad I finally got around to reading Rebel.
Something you should know about me… I really like books with family dynamics in them. The LeVeq family was rowdy, fun, supportive and loving. I wanted so much more! Valinda finds herself out of her teaching job with no funds. The LeVeq family takes her under their wings and fosters her spirit in a way her family never has.
Drake and Valinda are two of the most honorable characters I have ever read in a historical. Drake will not touch Valinda no matter how much he wants to because she is engaged. Valinda keeps a secret from Drake that if she told would get her what she wanted, but it isn’t her secret to tell and she won’t break the trust given her. On top of being honorable, both characters had an intense desire to build their community stronger. It’s so very rare that I read a book where I genuinely like both characters.
On top of falling in love with the characters, I loved the history that was weaved into the story. So much history included in a story can bog a story down, but Ms. Jenkins did a beautiful job of using it to enrich the story instead of overtaking it.
Bottom line: Characters that you like plus a vibrant history makes for a great read!
Lori Carroll
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