"The Magnolia Duchess" by Beth White

The Magnolia Duchess (Apr. 16, 2016) by Beth White.*

The United States is still very young as the War of 1812 rages on. On the bay side of the isthmus in Mobile Point, which separates Mobile Bay from the Gulf of Mexico, Fiona Lanier is not a frilly girl. It could be because she grew up with three older brothers and no sisters, but she’s always been more of a tomboy – one of “a bookish, horse-crazy” nature. Fiona is the best horse breeder and trainer on the coast, and she won’t shy away from negotiating a fair deal all on her own. No brothers necessary! If only that were the only thing on her mind. Unfortunately, her brother, Sullivan, has been taken prisoner by the British Navy. And a boy from her youth – now a man – has re-entered her life, though he doesn’t recognize her at all at first glance. He barely recalls who he is.

            Charlie Kincaid is washed up – literally – when Fiona finds him. When memory returns, he is “Lieutenant Charles Kincaid of His Majesty’s Royal Navy” and is also grandson to an admiral and lord. But why was he where he was? Is he a spy? Was he a prisoner somewhere? As his love for Fiona grows, how can he balance duty to his native country and love for a woman in a land he’s supposed to be fighting against?

            This third installment in the Gulf Coast Chronicles series was a pleasant read. This being my first story from Beth White, I was swept up in the budding romance replete with trials and danger, but also the historical resonance within. The War of 1812 is a central part of the story, and White involves persons from the actual history of the war as easily as if she created them as original characters from scratch. She made it so interesting – enough so that I wish my War-of-1812 history wasn’t so rusty – with likeable characters. What I found most confusing were the characters and how they are related to each other. Their ancestors span ethnic backgrounds as well, so while that enhanced the wealth of characters, it also added to the learning curve. It would’ve likely helped me know the characters more if I’d begun the series at the beginning. That said, while I do recommend this novel, I ALSO strongly suggest starting with the first book, “The Pelican Bride,” which is followed by “The Creole Princess.”

* Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are expressly my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”