Magnolia Duchess

In the South, there is a time-honored tradition of "coming-out" parties for debutants. It's an occasion for dressing up, seeking an escort, and going to a ball, after a time of learning manners, refined dining, and dancing. But, this tradition came long after the era of this book. Instead we have a pageant of tough women, fighting men, and two countries at war.

But in any pageant, there are prize winners, so I will list the prizes won in this particular novel by Beth White.

The most outstanding assessment by another character in the book: Desi Palomar tells Charlie Kincaid that Fiona has not gotten the hang of sitting around and swooning.

The most protective action by a sibling: Fiona's brother, Judah, sees that she's disguised herself and attached herself to the cavalry as the horse wrangler. He takes her to the mansion of his friends who keep her all but under lock and key.

The most trouble gone through to have the bride of his dreams: Charlie Kincaid washes up on the shore near Navy Cove, Alabama, with amnesia; recovers; goes back to his ship; is traded in a prisoner exchange for Fiona's brother, Sullivan; fights in several battles in the War of 1812; resigns his commission (except his commanding officer won't allow him to leave); charged, tried, and found guilty of desertion.

The most adventures had by a woman in love: Fiona trains horses to sell to the Cavalry, disguises herself as a boy to become the Cavalry's horse wrangler, and nurses wounded military men at a mansion owned by her brother's friends.

As this pageantry scrolls by while the book is being read, it is evident that this whole book is a winner, not just a compilation of random characters. This is worth Five Stars, Two Thumbs Up, and a well trained horse to respond to your every whistle.

My thanks to Revell for allowing me to read and review this book.