When lovely woman stoops to folly
And finds too late that men betray,
What charm can soothe her melancholy,
What art can wash her guilt away?
—Oliver Goldsmith The Vicar of Wakefield
It had been 5 years since Sara Collier Talbot left Magnolia Creek, Kentucky, as a fallen woman who ran off with a Yankee lieutenant only a year after finding out that her husband, Dru, had been killed in the Civil War. With no alternative, Sara swallows her pride and returns to Magnolia Creek with a love child in tow, and to the disapproval of the townspeople, Dru’s sister Louzanna, “Lou”, takes in Sara and her daughter. How much more can Sara take? Is her life in danger?
After 6 long years the war is over, and Dr. Dru Talbot, finally released from a prisoner of war camp, is going home to his wife of one day. Their whirlwind courtship and marriage were fast, but having that one night as husband and wife before he went off to war is what kept him alive. His hopes of starting a family with Sara and opening a quiet practice are just what he needs to help forget the horrors of war. Can he forgive Sara for what she’s done?
This is a digital reprint of Ms. Landis’ first edition print book which came out in 2002. As a long-time fan of Ms. Landis, I chose to review a tried and true novel that I knew would be a pleasure to read. She did not disappoint. The determination and strength of Sara’s character and the conflict of emotions between Sara and Dru are well written and brought a tear or two to my eyes. It is by no means a “mushy romance”, but a unique historical storyline that keeps you engaged and wondering how it will all play out. A great read for those who like historical romances set during the Civil War.
Thank you to Ms. Landis, BelleBooks and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to review this book.
Author Bio
Known for the emotional intensity of her stories and the depth of her characters, Jill 
Marie Landis is considered one of the country’s foremost authors of romance and womens’ fiction with her debut historical romance, SUNFLOWER, the first of her many books to earn distinguished awards and slots on such national best seller lists as the USA Today Top 50 and the New York Times Bestsellers Plus. Her books have been translated into several foreign languages and sold worldwide.
A seven time Romance Writers of America Finalist for the RITA Award in both the Single Title Historical and Contemporary categories, she is an RWA Golden Heart as well as a Rita Winner. Jill Marie has also penned five Inspirational Historical Romances and is now writing a mystery series set on the island of Kauai, Hawaii, where she lives with her husband, actor Steve Landis. Her books are not only known for their intense emotion, but characters you’ll remember long after you turn the last page.
