A Rebel Heart is a beautifully written inspirational romance. Loved the plot, characters and the Civil War setting. Fans of historical romance will enjoy this book.

The opening scene in this historical Christian fiction novel was an explosion of pulse-raising excitement, filled with anticipation of what was going to happen in the lives of Selah and her family. The next scene skipped forward in time, but was equally as thrilling, featuring a disastrous train wreck. Both of these scenes were important to the plot and set up the novel really well, but seemed like the pace slowed down quite a bit after that. The bulk of the story did have some intrigue and romantic tension sprinkled through it, but the pace didn't match the beginning of the novel until close to the end. The hero and heroine were likable characters, and the villain was well-written.
I'm a little unsure how I feel about this novel! I was drawn in at the beginning, but found it hard to stay fully engaged 'til the end. I was a little distracted by some of the vocabulary (ex. exigencies, palanquin, dudgeon, and posit to name a few) and one of the characters that is a regular 14 year old kid most of the novel goes into a highly scientific explanation of something, and after that seemed like your average kid again. These were mostly just distractions, but it was noticeable enough to slow the pace down for me. I love complexity, and even challenging vocabulary, but consistency is important as well. I'm leaning towards 3.5 stars.
Personal takeaway...Your circumstances in life may take some difficult turns, but God can bring beauty from the ashes.
**I was given a free copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley in order to share my honest opinions, which I did.**

A Rebel Heart is a fast pace4d, affectionate, brilliant, colorful and down right Faithfull story. Affectionate by Selah loving her family and taking over care of them and loving them and their land/ home. Brilliant in how Ms. White takes you back in time with great Historical accuracy.. Colorful by the way Ms. White is able to bring this world to life in your imagination. Faithful to each other and their Heavenly FATHER.

Do you like historical novels? Do you like some mystery, romance, and suspense? If you answered yes to any of these, this is the book for you.

This is the first book by Beth White that I've read but look forward to reading more. This is the first book in the series Daughtry House series and it starts out with a bang. It is set at 5 years post civil war and shows a little of how it was in the south at this time.

The characters are very well developed, the story flows very well. Beth White is a talented writer. The editing was also very good. The book is a Christian book but not preachy. It is filled with faith, trust, and hope.

I do not give a synopsis of the book, that's in the book description and if you are reading a review, I assume you are looking to seef my own free will. how others liked or disliked the book and why. I hope I gave you a glimpse in this review. I received a copy of this book from netgalley but the review is my own opinion and given o

This is my first book by the author. And this is what I thought...Amazing! I loved it! Maybe because I'm a Memphian who has roots in Northeast Mississippi and my son went to school at Ole Miss. Or maybe because this was so stinking good! I love history and this southern, history loving reader with a penchant for reading romance flew through the pages. This book also had a bit of a mystery too which is always a good thing. The characters, though flawed were so lovable. The hero, even though he was a Yank was handsome and swoon worthy. Wow! (one scene had me in a puddle) He was a good man who was smart and caring, and oh so brave. The heroine, was a beautiful southern belle who was a strong woman who cared deeply for her family and her home. All I can say is that I highly recommend this book and I am gonna be waiting on pins and needles until the next book comes out in the series.

A great read. I really enjoyed the interactions between Selah and Levi as they worked together to meet both of their needs. I admire Selah for doing what she felt needed to be done to save her home and how things wound working out for both Selah and Levi. It was interesting to see how things were during that time period as well. I love reading historical fiction that has a good mystery, romance, and gives me a taste of the time period.
I received a copy of the book from the author, the review is mine.

Very engaging Southern historical romance that you will want to quickly read. This book had all I needed in it, suspense,fast paced,romance and well researched history. The author's research benefits us greatly and really adds to the charm of this book. Some of the plot is based on true historical facts. From the first scene of the train wreck to the trials and tribulations of preparing the Ithaca Plantation as a hotel I loved this tale taking place in Mississippi. Levi and Selah's story was captivating and I look forward to reading the rest of the series. Highly recommended.
Pub Date 05 Jun 2018
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell/the author through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Rebel Heart takes place during the Reconstructive Era right after the Civil War. The scene is a Mississippi plantation. The plantation owners end up being three girls since their Dad was thought to have died and their Mother had died. The plantation is hard to run with the expenses and is at risk of being lost to debt. Selah and her sisters work to restore the plantation into a hotel. The reader sees the historical challenges for the time period. The plantation had black workers before the restoration and they were invited back to work. The workers were slaves before so it was a risk to hire them. There were many other challenges with the property including scandals. Selah is a sharp business person and holds her firm ground. She has the help of Levi Riggins with the business scandals but in the midst of the troubles she falls in love with him and He with her. It is a moving book. She has a tender caring heart in the midst of so many challenges. #The Rebel Heart# was given to me by Netgalley for review purposes.

A Rebel Heart is the first book in the Daughtry House series by Beth White. This was my first book by this native Alabama author, and it certainly will not be my last. Set during Reconstruction after the Civil War in Mississippi, Selah Daughtry looks for a way to keep her ancestral home. Undercover Pinkerton agent and former Union solider Levi Riggins is investigating robberies in the area that has been liked to the Daughtry plantation, and needs a cover story. He approaches Selah about converting her plantation into a hotel, and then oversees the work to gain access. Selah and Levi fall in love, but will secrets from their past destroy their future? You will never suspect how their pasts intersect. White provides a mystery along with a romance against the backdrop of historical fiction.

A bit of a slow beginning but very engaging when truths start coming around, dangers lurking around and true character tested.

A Rebel Heart is a fabulous start to the Daughtry House series. Beth White did a wonderful job transporting me back in time to post Civil War era Mississippi. I loved Selah right at the beginning and I admired her strength and determination. She is a type of character I feel connected to and feels as though she is a close friend. I, also, enjoyed Levi and thought he was a perfect addition to the story.

I give A Rebel Heart five plus stars and I am eagerly waiting for the next installment from the Daughtry House series.

I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

I love it when I get my hands on a new series, because I know I’m about to be introduced to new characters, settings, and stories. With A Rebel Heart, I’m also introduced to a new-to-me author. (At least, I don’t think I’ve read anything by Beth White before.)

For some reason, I’m attracted to stories that deal with the tragedies of war—perhaps because I love being reminded of people’s resiliency, their passions, strengths, and tenacity, during times of, what feels like, total devastation. It’s when we’re at our lowest, when we feel that inner desperation, that our character is tested and strengthened. It’s then when we lean heaviest on our faith.

Taking place during the Reconstruction Era of the Civil War, this story displays the economic and societal destruction. I was heavily saturated in this time period, and sank into the characters and their dilemmas. Selah and Levi are easy to sympathize and empathize with, and their attraction and resistance to each other is believable and kept me turning pages.

A Rebel Heart is must-read for lovers of historical romance. The secondary characters are just as intriguing as the central figures, and fill the story to the rim. I now have Ms. White on my author watch list, and I’m looking forward to her next book in the Daughtry House series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley, and was under no obligation to post a review.
#ARebelHeart #DaughtryHouse

I really liked the time period and reading about the Reconstruction era. I also liked Selah and Levi quite a bit, and I liked the secondary characters as well. The romance and mystery elements were well-developed. My one qualm was that sometimes I felt like the story jumped around a little and I almost felt like I'd missed something. (maybe that's because I read an ARC and not the finished product). Still, I enjoyed it and I'm interested in reading the other books in the series when they're published.

3.5 stars.

I read an ARC from the publisher via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Beth White brings us a new series with her novel A Rebel Heart. Set in America's Reconstruction Era, this book features everything from Pinkerton spies to racial prejudice to nostalgic Southern plantations. From beginning to end you will be captured by intrigue, suspense, and hope as the characters seek to rebuild their lives following the tumult of the Civil War.
From the very first pages, White captures the reader's attention with drama and diverse, but well developed characters. She creates scenes that envelop the imagination and bring to life a plot that keeps the pages turning. Yet, enough is left unresolved at the book's conclusion that ensures the reader will come back for the next book in the series. These characters and their plot are a complete package, drawing in the reader for an unforgettable adventure.
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions in this review are my own.

Beth White has written such a wonderful post-bellum war book. Selah Daughtry is going from Tennessee to Tupelo, Mississippi, but part of the way there, the train she is riding in derails and several people are killed and injured several others. Levi Riggans is a passenger on the train, but he's also a Pinkerton agent. He is instrumental in rescuing people from the train before it completely falls off the rail into the ravine.

Selah's primary purpose for going back to Ithaca plantation in Tupelo is to raise money to restore it for herself and her sisters.

Levi met Selah on the train and is quite intrigued with her, but he has people to find and reports to file. When his business takes him to Ithaca, he is thrilled to find Selah there.

Beth has written a book with heart and with likable characters. Her plot moves at a steady pace and keeps the reader involved to the very end of the book. This is a five star book, with two thumbs up, and a plantation mansion to restore. My appreciation goes to Revell for providing the galley I read and for allowing me to review it.

If you love the South, the Civil War era, and the turmoil that was left after the war finished, this book will give all of this and more. The research is on point and the characters express so much of what was taking place during this time. It paints a South we sometimes don't about in history books. The love story is also beautiful.

"A Rebel Heart" is a Christian romance set in 1870 in Mississippi. The setting and historical details immersed me in the story. The story touched on how difficult it was for former slave owners and ex-slaves to form new, equitable relationships. The story also looked at how Southerners each reacted differently to a Yankee, Levi.

The characters were complex and acted realistically, and I cared about what happened to them. Selah and Levi brought out the good in each other. They were attracted to the other's character as well as looks. They respected each other and worked well together.

There was some mystery since Levi was trying to determine who caused the train wreck. We know whodunit since we get scenes from their point of view. This increased the suspense since we know there is danger to Levi (and others). The main characters prayed before making major decisions, and their Christian beliefs were reflected in how they treated others. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd highly recommend this enjoyable story.

This book has it all, mystery and romance in the historical setting of the Reconstruction period. It also deals with the social issues of the time on a personal level. I had very much enjoyed White's Gulf Coast Chronicles series and was not disappointed by this first book in the Daughtry House series. I must admit my interest was piqued by the setting, Tupelo, Mississippi, as I visited family there throughout my childhood. White truly captures the time and place, and fills it with intriguing characters.
Selah Daughtry, the oldest of three sisters, is aided in retaining her family home by an undercover Pinkerton agent, Levi Riggins. Her mother had been brutally murdered by a band of renegade soldiers during the war and her father's whereabouts were unknown. Once Riggins' plan was in place, Selah was aided by her sisters and cousin, a foster son of sorts, a childhood friend and many who were once slaves on her family's plantation in her efforts to convert the plantation into an exclusive hotel as the railroad moved into the area.
Levi Riggins used his talent in gathering intelligence, developed while serving in the Union Army, to move into a career as a Pinkerton detective following the war. Following leads as he worked to uncover the person or persons behind a series of train robberies, Levi ended up not only saving Selah's life, but providing her with a livelihood. Now he seeks to find a way to solve his case and bring their lives together as one.
I highly recommend this, and all of Beth White's books. Her stories have depth, are well developed and paced, and her vocabulary in this book may increase your own. I thank NetGalley and Revell Books for providing me with a copy of A Rebel Heart in exchange for my honest review. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

It is obvious through every page that Beth White has done her research and turned A Rebel Heart into a must read for lovers of historical fiction.

It’s been five years since the War Between the States ended and Selah Daughtry has worked day in and out to keep herself and her family safe, and fed. Their land is about to go under in debt and giving it up is the last thing she wants to do. When it seems like all hope is lost Levi Riggins, a former union cavalryman comes and starts to investigate some inconsistences and possible sabotage to the Daughtry family land. Selah doesn’t know if she can trust him when he tells her he can help save her land if she agrees to turn the family home into a hotel. Trusting Levi is the only option she has, what she didn’t expect was her heart to fall for him during this difficult time when love is the last thing she is looking for.

A Rebel Heart is the perfect book for lovers of historical fiction. With the setting in Mississippi and the family struggling to keep their land and each other together, the tension mounts quickly as the fight to keep what is theirs together. The connection between Levi and Selah is immediate and you know the tension between them is going to build to a romance they won’t be able to turn away from. I enjoyed the way Levi worked to keep his mission a secret and still do the work he was there to do. It was hard for him to keep his distance when he obviously wanted to be with Selah. The book kept a good pace throughout and I enjoyed the way it played out at the end leaving room for more to come but wrapping things up nicely.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

We begin this book with a bang, or a train wreck and you wonder how this is all tied together, and what a journey you are about to begin as you page turn, and beware it is hard to put down.
The time period here is 1870’s and the South, and particularly plantations that were run on the back of slaves, are really in disrepair and literally falling down, or at least the buildings are.
Loved the way the author’s mind works here and how one in particular plantation home has the opportunity to be saved, but getting there has a lot of pitfalls and scary moments, and multiple surprises.
Come and journey back in time to a rebirth, and changing times, along with a bit of romance, and when it ends it will linger with you.
Also, there is a tease as book two will be coming!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.