Friday, June 20, 2014

Book Review: The Winds of Catawba by Laurie Stahl


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Title: The Winds of Catawba

Author: Laurie Stahl

Series: Sequel to The Women of Catawba

Genre: Historical

Audience: Adult

~ MY REVIEW ~
**2 stars**

The Winds of Catawba by Laurie Stahl is a sequel to The Women of Catawba by Hilda Stahl, I believe. Though I’ve never read the latter, I enjoyed this book. It was unique, fast-paced, and exciting.

Following the lives of brothers Yates and Ward, and their wives Maida and Taylor, also the freed-slave Cammie and her eavesdropping and precarious love life; and also of the marriageable age daughters of Yates, Laurel and Kendra. Set in the post-Revolutionary War days, adventures, dangers, and romance abound on the plantation of Catawba in South Carolina. Laurel is anxiously awaiting the arrival of her friend Claire and her dreamy brother Jason Courtland, from England; even while trying to ignore the infuriating Joshua Douglas. Kendra is hiding a secret romance with her father’s indentured servant, Court. While they’re waiting for the right time to ask Yates blessings, problems spring up. Maida becomes has some exciting news, but she’s afraid her husband Yates won’t be pleased. Taylor longs for a baby, and wonders if she’s slowly loosing Ward. Cammie takes care of her two-year-old son while trying to convince an emotionally-scarred slave man to open up to love. Secrets abound, while tempests arise.

The Winds of Catawba was very easy to get into, and I read it fairly quickly. However, I can’t say it was a favorite. At times, it felt a little wishy-washy, and something like a soap opera. Too much romantic drama and tension. –That’s definitely not my favorite aspect of historical-romance! And though there were some deep, thoughtful parts, the faith of the characters lacked spiritual depth. I was especially disappointed with Joshua, and his easy, careless way with ladies. Also, though this family helped mistreated slaves, they didn’t really stand up against slavery in and of itself.

So though it was quite interesting, The Winds of Catawba just seemed to lack the things I truly like in a novel. The depth. The faith matters. The God-written love stories. It was just a little fluffy, you know … ;p

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