Set in post-Civil War Mississippi, A Rebel Heart by Beth White gives readers an honest look at some of the atrocities of war and the struggle life was afterward.

Selah and her sisters are memorable as they fight to save their plantation home. Levi Riggins is a hero I could get behind from the start of the book and, as I discovered more about him, just liked him more.

There are several plot lines happening throughout the book that, at times, were difficult to follow. By the end of the story, I was pleased with how everything came together, though. This was the first book by the author I have read, and I enjoyed my time with Selah and Riggins as well as the other characters.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive or negative review. All opinions are my own. ( )

A Rebel Heart by Beth White is the first book in The Daughtry House series. Five years after the Civil War, Selah Daughtry is struggling to provide for her two younger sisters and a spinster cousin. With their Mississippi plantation falling down around them, the offer to help turn her home into a hotel by the hotel management agent for the railroad seems like a good idea. Levi Riggins says it’s the only way to save her family home. But, can she trust a Yankee? This story addressed a very sensitive time in our nation’s history. I liked how the Daughtry girls came up with a way to help the less fortunate. Selah was a very brave, and forgiving lady who didn’t let society over-rule her personal convictions. ( )

Selah Daughtry is determined not to sell her family's plantation and surrounding lands, even thought she cannot afford to run them. After a near fatal accident, she meets a handsome Yankee who not only saves her life, but offers her a way to stay in her family home while returning it to its' former glory, not as a plantation, but as a hotel. As she cautiously begins renovations and the managing of such a massive undertaking, she is learning that all may not be as it seems in this wonderful opportunity. Someone has been sneaking around the grounds and shot at the inhabitants of the house. Will they ever be able to complete the renovations and open Daughtry House or will her dreams be shattered like broken glass?

This was a very good book. It took me a few pages to get into it, but once I did I was hooked! ( )

In the start to Beth White’s Daughtry House series, A Rebel Heart, Selah Daughtry is doing all she can to keep her family alive in post-Civil War Mississippi—including, possibly, giving up their home. Yet, when undercover Pinkerton agent (and Yankee!) Levi Riggins arrives with a possible solution, such a sacrifice might not be necessary after all.

The story proceeds with an intriguing portrayal of the reality of the era, a touch of mystery (and a couple surprising twists!), and of course, a delightful romance. Though it does move slowly at times, I still very much enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from White in the future.

Thanks to Revell Reads, I received a complimentary copy of A Rebel Heart and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own. ( )

A Rebel Heart is a historical fiction novel set in Mississippi five years after the Civil War, so if you enjoy historical fiction with a touch of romance, this is the book for you. I chose this book because I know that the lady I give these books to would love it. Focusing on the South post-Civil War she’d find interesting. This story holds a bit of history along with a mystery as well as romance. Usually, the historical fiction novels I’ve read are simply characters within that particular time period. This one is a bit different with the murder mystery within. It wasn’t the main theme of the novel, but it is one of the running plots.

The book immediately grabs you within the first few pages with a major train accident and the start of the mystery. Main character Selah Daughtry, is intelligent, hard-working, and kind. Teaming up with several other characters, her goal is to fix up the plantation mansion to its former glory. Levi Riggins helps strike a deal on behalf of Selah to appropriate funds in order to make the necessary repairs and helps with hiring workers to get it all done in time. Part of the hired help includes the plantation’s previous slaves who, rightfully so, hesitate to offer amends for past hurts. Add to the mix a sniper that strikes. Levi begins to wonder if the incident with the train might be related. A good mystery in the making with a thought-to-be-dead Confederate soldier back making trouble.

This book is full of intrigue, as well as past hurts and much-needed forgiveness. A Rebel Heart read at a steady pace, making it a quick read and one I’m sure my church friend will enjoy. I received a complimentary copy from Revell in exchange for my honest opinion. ( )