"She shoved away her terror, drawing on some reserve that hadn’t been there before this morning."

Christian historical takes place in Mississippi first during, then 5 years after the civil war. A former Union man, now a Pinkerton agent investigating a series of robberies, and a young woman from a local plantation travelling on family business are passengers together on a horrible train crash. The atrocities of the war, and later adjustment to getting along after the war must have been incredibly hard to live through. The train crash was historical fact. The characters come to life and are artfully woven around the restoration of the estate and the Pinkerton investigation. Selah employs former slaves to bring the plantation back, and she and her sisters work just as hard along side them. A benefit to them all, but not approved by all. Struggle, danger, mystery and murder along with love, strength and faith make for a strong story and lay the ground for a wonderful new series.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

#ARebelHeart #BethWhite #NetGalley #5Stars #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout

Beth White is an excellent author and her books are great.
Wonderful characters that will invite you in and make
you feel like part of the family. Join them as they work
together to keep everyone safe and taken care of.

This was a great story of diversity, family, and love. The reconstruction period after the Civil War was difficult enough, but add in three sisters with a sprawling family plantation they are trying to keep, it was almost hopeless. But enter a family friend with political and railroad connections, and a dashing Pinkerton agent, and you have the basics to complete the dream. Oh yeah, and then you have to enter in your deranged father who is trying to kill everyone that tried to bring down that plantation during the war. And it all makes for a great sit-down, enjoy your hot tea, listen to the rain kind of reading.

This was the story of Selah Daughtry and her sisters, Joelle and Aurora, and how they are trying to keep their sprawling family plantation, Ithaca. But with every bank, grandparent, and hope they have turning them down, it is not looking good. But when Selah by chance meets Levi Riggs, things start turning more in her favor, especially when he meets Schuyler Beaumont (an old Daughtry family friend) and his plans to turn Ithaca into a destination hotel for railroad travelers. Levi Riggs is a hero in more ways than one, and we get the feeling these two have met before, but just when will Selah find out, and how will she react.

This was a great beginning to the Daughtry sisters and their potential rising of the Daughtry House hotel. I loved the characters and how they all interacted together, how Selah and Riggs were slowly falling in love, and how Riggs would not let anything bad happen to these sisters ever again. It showed the animosity of the day (and even sometimes still today) to how Northerners were treated when they came South, even if in the end it was to help build back up. This was easily a 4 start book and I would definitely recommend this book to readers, especially those interested in the Civil War.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and Revell. Opinions in this review are my own.

It was interesting to read about the war between the states in the eyes of the characters on both sides in this story. Although there were tragic war events that happened during this book, there were also some great moments and events. I loved Selah’s determination to keep up with her family plantation and family name despite the losses in their home. I liked the mystery and suspense element of this historical romance book.

Great characters and steady story line. I really enjoyed it and can’t wait to read more in this series!

I just love historical fiction. This one is based on the American History time period of the War Between the States. This story is based on the rebuilding after the war and what living through that looked like for these characters. One of the things at the beginning of this story was a train adventure that was quite a gripping trip, showing bravery and quick thinking. The main girl after this point takes on guardianship of a boy affected by the trip. She and her sisters are on a journey to fight for what is theirs and keep it in the family, needing to discern who is for them and who is against them. It’s a great recipe for a wonderful read. If you like historical fiction, this is a great one!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.


***Also posted on B&N and CBD

This is my first experience with Ms. White's writing. The story drops you off in the past- the country and people struggling to recover after being ripped apart by civil war. People hurting, families with the loss of life and fortune. The curtains open on a family of daughters trying to make it alone with bills to pay, repairs to be made and no parents to help them.

This is a good book, good characters development & interesting storyline. I recommend this book!

Received this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own

After three months of reading A Rebel Heart on and off, getting distracted with other books and not quite finding my "groove" I'm calling it quits this time round at the halfway mark.

I think I need to stop reading Pinkerton related novels. I always think they'll be interesting, and the plots always become so dang meandering that I lose my steam and get distracted with other books! It's awful. I don't mean to be unfaithful...it just so happens that I don't do well with the more meandering plots. I'm sorry--I want to be but I just can't seem to grasp them!

A Rebel Heart started off fast with a train wreck that made me cry internally "Aha! Starting early with an interesting plot! Yes!" but then it just...lagged. They don't even agree to start renovations on the property until half way through the book! That just...ugh--it didn't move half fast enough to keep me.
Then I put it down, picked up and read twenty other books between picking it up again and was confused which characters were which and I couldn't remember parts of the plot and...here I am. Giving up. Perhaps if I feel the need to start from scratch when I don't have a bunch of books distracting me...maybe A Rebel Heart will be a hit for me instead of a miss, but just not this time round...

I went to my Kindle to read this book and found that it didn't go through to my kindle. I went to the book so I could try to download it again. The book site said that the book had been archived and I could not longer download the book.

I would have liked to read this book. My bad I should have checked right away that this book didn't go to my kindle. I've read books by this author she is really good. I won't let this happen again.

Nora St.Laurent

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A Rebel Heart by Beth White begins with an exciting escape from a sabotaged railroad line that brings two unlikely people together. A Southern Belle trying to hold onto what remains of her former Mississippi Plantation and a Pinkerton detective, Levi Riggins, formerly of the Union Army. His investigation leads him to Selah Daughtry's crumbling plantation where mystery and suspense ensue and a romance between the two begins as they both work together to turn her home into a profitable hotel. However, the past may come back to haunt them both and threaten to tear the two apart in the process.

I enjoyed the author's historical picture she painted of the post Civil War era. It brought about some interesting situations that likely occurred during that time between former Slave owners and their slaves and I loved White's redemptive message. A Rebel Heart was beautifully written and I enjoyed the love story at it's core. I would have liked a little more character development that I hope will be answered in the next installment in the Daughtry House series, which I look forward to very much.

I have posted reviews on both Goodreads and Amazon.com.

Beth White has written a captivating story of three sisters struggling to find a way to save their home and rebuild from the great losses they suffered during the Civil War. The setting of this book, a few years after the War ended, was one of social and economic change, and that change drives the storyline. The book shows that the author did quite a bit of research and she did a great job incorporating those details in this story. There’s some mild suspense and mystery along the way which blends in well with the themes of love, loss, redemption, and forgiveness.

But it was the characters that I loved most about this book. especially Selah. She’s strong, independent, compassionate and loves her family above herself. Levi was the perfect hero for this story, and it was fun reading their story.

I think this is one of the best historical novels that I’ve read set during this time period. It’s clean and inspirational with no foul language. I’ll be looking forward to reading another book by Beth White.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

The Civil War was such an ugly hard thing for our country. Families were divided. The nation was torn in two. A Rebel Heart brings us a tale of one group of people working to repair and rebuild not only structures but relationships.

Selah Daughtry and her two sisters and cousin are barely eeking out an existance on their family's plantation. The main house is in a deplorable state of disrepair, the slaves have been set free, and all sorces of income have dwindled to nothing. Despite all of the obsticles Selahh is determined to retain her family's estate but her options are quickly narrowing to one. And that isn't the one she was hoping for.

What was intriguing about this book was the reminder that the after effects of war are nothing new. PTSD was a thing even though it wasn't called that. Former enemies had to find a way to make peace to move beyond the conflict. All that we see in our current situations were present then, maybe in a different form due to the time-frame, but present all the same.

I thought that it was easy to connect with Selah and her sisters and cousin. They each found themselves struggling to find their place between the past and the future. Relationships can be hard, but they are always worth investing in.

If you like historical fiction, especially Civil War era then I think you'll enjoy this book. There's a bit of romance to lighten the dire subject matter but it doesn't fluff the story too much. This first book focuses on Selah, but there are more books planned in the series that will focus on the other women in the story. I'm looking forward to reading them all.

I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review.

For those who love Historical Romance set in a lesser known pocket of history, when old ideas were still warring with the new, and two people who had once been enemies can find a way to deal with their pasts and find love, then start A Rebel Heart early on a day with no pressing matters as you are quite likely to want to read it straight through.

It's five years since the end of the American Civil War and Selah Daughtry, oldest daughter of a respected but disgraced and presumed dead Confederate officer, is barely keeping the Daughtry plantation, Ithaca, from being taken from her family as war reparations. Embarking on a journey to seek a loan, she soon finds herself being rescued by the attractive Yankee seated across from her, as the train derails. And when that Yankee, Levi Riggins, declares his intention to call on her at her home, she is unaware that he is a Pinkerton and that she is, for the moment, a suspect in his investigation.

Having read and enjoyed Beth White's Gulf Coast Chronicles trilogy, it was no surprise when I found myself immersed in the historical aspects of this Reconstruction Era story. While I greatly enjoyed Levi and Selah, along with all of the potential romances of the secondary characters, it was the mystery and the dangers that grew out of old conflicts and the judiciously woven threads of historical facts and attitudes that both thrilled and saddened the history lover in me. I am so looking forward to the next book in this series.

This review refers to a library e-book copy. All opinions expressed are my own. And while I was approved for an e-galley through NetGalley, it was archived before I was able to download it.

Five years after the final shot was fired in the War Between the States, Selah Daughtry can barely manage to keep herself, her two younger sisters, and their spinster cousin fed and clothed. With their family's Mississippi plantation swamped by debt and the Big House falling down around them, the only option seems to be giving up their ancestral land.

Pinkerton agent and former Union cavalryman Levi Riggins is investigating a series of robberies and sabotage linked to the impoverished Daughtry plantation. Posing as a hotel management agent for the railroad, he tells Selah he'll help her save her home, but only if it is converted into a hotel. With Selah otherwise engaged with renovations, Levi moves onto the property to "supervise" while he actually attends to his real assignment right under her nose.

Selah isn't sure she entirely trusts the handsome Yankee, but she'd do almost anything to save her home. What she never expected to encounter was his assault on her heart.

An interesting book about the reconstruction in the South after the Civil War. The animosity between the North and South is alive and well in Mississippi. The only way for Selah to save her families plantation is to take and bold step. Even bolder will be people she employs to help her. I enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone. I have never read any books by Beth White. I will be looking for other books by her.

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way

This was a sweet historical romance with a dash of mystery. With its beautiful cover and compelling synopsis, it had me captured as soon as I laid eyes on it. Yet, my favorite part about it was trying to unravel the colorful threads which made up this story. It was one of those books that made me want to read the last page to see what happens. (I know, terrible right?!?) But I didn’t and was rewarded with a nice and happy ending.
My favorite character in this book was Joelle. While Selah was strong and independent, Joelle was absolutely lovable and I could definitely relate to her. Levi was a good addition to the story and I liked how his past intertwined with Selah’s. However, I wasn’t a huge fan of the romance between Levi and Selah since there was not a great deal of growth. The relations with the other characters were amazing, though, especially those between the former slaves and the Daughtry sisters. Their attitude towards these people caused me to respect them and admire their compassion.
Moving on, the writing was nice, but a little plain - I would have liked some more color and detail. And lastly, this was a clean read which was something I thoroughly enjoyed.
I recommend this book to all those who like a heartwarming romance with a touch of intrigue.
I received a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

This is book one in the Daughtry House series. I love the personalities of the Daughtry sisters. There are many characters in which I look forward to getting to know better in the up coming books.

Selah Daughtry, is a beautiful, opionated, loving sister. She is trying her best to keep her families house going. When strange things start happing and she must trust the handsome, Luke Riggins.

Luke Riggins is a Pinkerton agent. He is not sure whom he can trust and whom may be hiding information. When his heart gets involved can he keep his distance and objective yet still fall in love with Selah and have a fighting chance?

I love the sparks that fly between Selah and Luke, they both have a fun loving and feisty personality. Beth White does a great job at keeping your interest throughout this novel.

A good historical novel. It was interesting yet did lag a bit for me in the middle. I enjoyed reading about Selah and Levi. I would look forward to another installment to the Daughtry House Series.

I am beginning to appreciate more and more how divided our country is at this time. How could things be any more ready to ignite? And yet, throughout our history, there have been times of great cataclysm. The Civil War was surely one of those times. In A Rebel Heart, by Beth White, after Ithaca Plantation has been destroyed by marauding Northerners, how can genteel Selah Norton work with an out-of-favor neighbor and a northern carpetbagger to restore the glory of her former home?



Courage has to be one answer. Whether it is Selah’s courage to follow Levi Riggins’s directions in their first mutual disaster, or her willingness to head up the whole project that Riggins later proposes. The former slaves have to have the courage to agree to work with Selah, trusting they would be treated well, not like the slaves they have been. Wyatt Priester, agreeing to live with Selah and her sister and work, hoping to get some apprenticing, again shows a great amount of courage. He is only 14 when he makes that decision. Riggins himself is quite brave. While helping restore Ithaca, quite a bit of scheming is going on which could cost him everything. Riggins says,

“Doing what you have to do when you’re afraid. That’s what courage is.”



I really enjoyed the great mix of history, romance, intrigue, and even plotting, involving the Pinkertons.



I would have appreciated a small glossary. There were several big words I had to look up. Good thing I was reading on my Kindle!



“A couple of quotables could go a long way today if only people would take them to heart:

“History always matters because it impacts the present and the future.”

and

“When everyone knows something is true, you don’t question it.”



There is, of course, a teaser at the end for the sequel, which will be Joelle and Schuyler’s story. I am ready for it!



I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. No positive review was required and all opinions are solely my own.

A Rebel Heart is the first of Ms. White’s writing that I have read, it it definitely will not be the last. I enjoyed this story about Ithaca Plantation and the lives of those who care about it so much. I am very much looking forward to Jo’s story which I understand is being told next!

This is a wonderful look at how someone works to keep there nome after the civil war. There were some twists and turns throughout and a bit of intrigue. Selah and Levi are great characters. I had a hard time putting this book down. I look forward to reading more books in this series to find out what happens to others in the family. I received a copy of this book from Revell for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

I love this author, whatever she writes I want to read. I have enjoyed her previous novels but I think she has out done herself with A Rebel Heart. She will take you on an unforgettable journey. Beth gives you adventure, drama, some tears, love and laughter in just one story. One of the first scenes in this story is hard to read and I'm pretty sure it was even harder for Beth to write. You are introduced to the Daughtry sisters, Selah, Joelle and Aurora. Fast forward seven years to the next scene which involves a train wreck. We meet our hero Levi Riggins, a Pinkerton agent and former Union cavalryman officer. He saves Selah, the heroine, and helps her escape from the train before it careens down forty feet off the bridge. The two of them then help with the other survivors. Selah is a very strong young lady herself. She has been taking care of her sister and aunt and trying to bring her plantation back to it's previous beauty before the war. Beth has done a lot of research in her history of this war and that time period. It is very obvious in her writing. Beth paints a solid, beautiful story that you will enjoy. I highly recommending A Rebel Heart. Or any other book by Beth White. I received this book from Revell Publishing through Net Galleys. The opinion expressed in this review is completely my own.