The Magnolia Tree

Rating:
Summary: Great historical novel
Review: In 1855, Letty Banks desperately wants to leave the family plantation in order to escape from her abusive father. Instead, she stays put to protect her younger, frail half-sister, who is used as a blackmail pawn by her cruel dad. Visitors are a rarity. So Letty is excited when Yankee Thorn Bradley arrives with a message from her beloved grandfather. Still, she cannot leave because she cannot trust what her father will do to her sibling.

By the time the Civil War starts, Letty's father is dead and she goes by a different name. She saves Thorn's life as the Yankee spy is nearly caught by the Confederacy. The pair shares an intimate moment that leaves her pregnant. When a decade passes by, Letty is on trial and Thorn has come to save the woman he loves and meet his son for the first time.

THE MAGNOLIA TREE is not a historical romance by any stretch of the genre's boundaries. Instead, it is a brilliant Americana saga, starring an incredibly strong woman, who would! be a role model for anyone trying to survive life's worst blows. The secondary characters add depth and authenticity to a colorfully written story line, however, in the final analysis this novel is Martha Kirkland's tribute to the fortitude and strength of nineteenth century women who were stupendous survivors during one of the most calamitous periods in American History.

Harriet Klausner

Rating:
Summary: A definite keeper!
Review: Though this is more saga than romance, no one who picks up The Magnolia Tree will regret the decision. It kept me away all night; I could not put it down. Give it a try, you'll be glad you did.