For me the lure of this book was the subject matter. Having recently visited SC I learned about the importance and culture of indigo. Wanting to know more, I was hoping this book would enlighten me and hold my interest.
I was not disappointed. The author seamlessly combined historic facts with an intriguing storyline. The characters were well drawn, whether they be slave holders, slave, or a mighty young woman. The book held my interest from the start and did not drop along the way at all. Relationships among the characters were well described and often powerful. Romantic relationships were subtle in description, but meaningful.
This book is highly recommended and I suggest others will not consider it just a regional historical fiction. This bit of Americana would interest all.

I loved the book. It took me away from reality and told me a very nice story. Hard work pays off always. I highly recommend this book.

I received this ARC from netgalley.com in exchange for a review.

At the age of 16, Eliza Lucas is tasked by her father to oversee three plantations while he returns to Antigua to pursue his military and political careers. After many failures and set backs, Eliza succeeds in growing an Indigo crop. What Eliza accomplished changed American history.

This is a great book, the writing was easy to read and the story was very interesting. I really liked reading portions of Eliza's personal correspondence. I definitely recommend this to anyone who like strong and inventive women in a historical setting.

4☆

Sixteen year old Eliza Lucas has acquired an unexpected vocation. Living in South Carolina in the 18th Century, she must oversee the running of the Lucas family plantations including three tracts of land. Each plantation is run by a manager who oversees slaves as they work to plant and harvest crops in order to turn a profit. Eliza's father, nicknamed Big Lucas, has returned to Antigua, the family's original domicile, in order to advance his military career. Debt has accrued in his military venture and only successful crop production will keep the family afloat in South Carolina..

Eliza is no stranger to the running of the family enterprise. She has routinely assisted Big Lucas in recording family transactions. She is not the child of choice for this operation, however, her two brothers are away at school. The plan is for Eliza to keep the business solvent until her elder brother George can assume the reins. Eliza does not believe in convention, she believes in individual freedom. Women should not be chattel to be married off to unburden the family. Eliza will not settle for being a figurehead for the plantation...but...how will she be successful? Two of her plantations are heavily mortgaged to support her father's military aspirations.

Eliza is determined to grow indigo. Indigo is a weed that has been grown with limited success in Antigua. Perhaps it can grow in South Carolina soil. She enlists the help of neighbor and botanist Mr. Deveaux and family friend, lawyer Charles Pinckney, as well as trusted slaves Quash, Togo, and Sawney. Indigo is difficult to produce. Success is unlikely. Frost can destroy indigo seeds. Indigo stalks must be cut at the exact hour of their potency and before they flower. She is embarking upon an uphill battle.

Eliza Lucas is a teenager ahead of her time. While her mother worries about making a good match for her daughter, Eliza wants a husband who will treat her as an equal. She believes in compassion. Her slaves live in cabins free from draft, a dwelling has been built to serve as a schoolhouse and she has taught Quash and others to read. Her kindness has won her respect. There are those, however, who do not want Eliza to succeed and will thwart her efforts on a continual basis.

"The Indigo Girl" by Natasha Boyd is a remarkable historical account of a girl's determination to introduce indigo as a staple crop in South Carolina. Kudos to Natasha Boyd for creating Eliza's journey.

Thank you Blackstone Publishing and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review "The Indigo Girl".

I wasn't aware of Eliza Lucus until I read this book. I had to go find some info on her. After having read her bio, I opened this book found the read very enjoyable. It's a historic fiction account of her life and a quick read. Not nearly enough stories about strong and successful women from early American history. Inspiring! Ya up.

An intelligent young woman is left in charge of her father's plantations in South Carolina while her father pursues his military pursuits. As her ambitions grow, she must fight the disapproval from her own family and her own family.

What I especially loved about this novel is how it is based on reality. Eliza did refuse to conform to society. She did learn to produce indigo dye, when everyone save for a few people, said she wouldn't be able to. I love the references to her letters that are the basis for the narrative.

The fictional characters add dimension to Eliza's story and how they interact with each other. The story does have an an abrupt ending, but beyond that it has an enjoyable flow. The author does an excellent job of creating the atmosphere of the time.

For any reader who enjoys novels based on history, this is a must read.

I loved the writing, it was fluid and the story was well-paced.
I liked the issues that the author addresses in this novel.
By bringing Southern town-life to life in the pages of this novel, the author gives the reader a glimpse into the colourful life of Eliza Lucas, a spunky girl who is wise beyond her years and truly ahead of her times.

The Indigo Girl was compelling from start to finish. Eliza's story immediately caught and held my interest, and it was wonderful to journey with her as she sought to make a success of her father's holdings. The fact that it is based on fact makes the story even more delightful. Eliza must have been a formidable young woman! If you enjoy historical fiction with a kernel of truth, this is most definitely a book for you. Well-written and perfectly paced, it is a wonderful, captivating read. 4.5 stars.

Everyone who's been through Carolina history knows about the Pinkcney family, particularly as they relate to the Revolutionary War. However, this is the story of what came before....the strength of Eliza and how she changed the agricultural history of this region. The story was well-researched, interesting, and easy to read. I loved following her life and learning more about this facet of history.