Disclaimer: this is a highly belated review so my memory of book details is exceptionally foggy. However--at the time I read this (circa 2013), I remember liking the story in general, while at the same time, wanting to do a little Google research to confirm that the inventor's brain-child woulda/coulda been around at the time. I think it checked out. It was a likeable read. ( )

Well-plotted and paced!

This is the best historical novel I've read since Edward Cline's Sparrowhawk series. It's an excellent demonstration of how slavery enslaves the masters as well as the slaves, as well as how the habit of unthinking obedience is also a form of slavery. I have a particular fondness for characters who redeem themselves through work, and there is one here (you'll have to read the novel to find out which one).

Altogether delightful, and I look forward to future novels by LaGreca! ( )

Another stellar work by Gen LaGreca. An unlikely blend of genres (mystery, romance and historical fiction) works beautifully to drive home the central point that should be heeded by everyone during our uncertain times. No matter our station in life, or the social/political environment, the worst prison is always one of our own making, but by the same token true freedom is always inside of us. Sure, families, laws and customs play a role and set limitations, sometimes in cruel and unfair way, but the fundamental choices determining who we are- those are ours alone. I will leave the twists and turns of the plot for the reader to discover, and there are certainly some good ones, but this novel is so much more than its plot and characters. Probably the most inspirational new work I've read in years outside of Christian fiction.

One final note. My initial impression was that the epilogue went on for too long, having tied up all of the plot, to drive home the parallels between the world depicted in the novel and our own. I thought it was unnecessary as the body of the story has already covered the territory. Then I turned on the news, and ...nope, I was wrong. Whether from from ignorance or willful blindness, most people, today, would not in fact make the connections on their own, and as a result would miss the point. And that just can't be allowed to happen, not with these ideas, not if we are to hope for a better, freer world that the heroes of the novel imagined so vividly in their dreams and risked so much to try to create. ( )

This book exceeded my expectations tremendously. I was captivated by the romance and couldn't put it down. Great romance story and relatable to the life today in so many weird ways. Insightful into the slave life. ( )

By: Gen LaGreca
Published By: Wing Victory Press
Age Recommended: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Book Blog For: GMTA
Review:

"A Dream of Darling" by Gen LaGreca was some historical suspenseful murder mystery. This read was definitely one that keep me reading with all of its twist and turns and wow... that surprised ending. With all that was going on I found this read somewhat inspirational. In this read taken from 1859 you will get a little of all from 'Southern intrigue, political corruption, murder, slavery, horrible cruelty, forbidden love and then to the 'real romantic heroism' in Louisiana. The author does a good job with this historical part entering in about the 'south before the civil war.' These characters were all so real and well developed that really helped make this read quite interesting. "A Dream of Daring" may start out slow but with all of the adventure, suspense and mystery will keep you interested in seeing this 'American history' read unfold as it is so very important and relevant today. Would I recommend this read? Yes, especially if you are interested in a 'beautifully' well written historical romantic mystery murder. ( )