I really struggled to finish this book. The premise was interesting and I thought the chemistry between the two main characters was compelling, but something about the prose did not fit the genre and it made the story feel uneven and imbalanced.

I love historical romances, but I haven't read many with a Civil War setting. I absolutely loved the historic quotes at the beginning of each chapter. I found the story of the Black regiments very interesting. The horrors and hell of war were brought to life. It was evident the author did her homework. This worked well as historical fiction. As historical romance? Not so much....

My main problem? I found no one in this book particularly likeable, especially the leads. I can live with disliking one, but both? Pierce was eyeing Cerisa in church, while his beloved wife was at home dying. Cerisa married Pierce while she was pining for her missing husband, then seemed to get the warm fuzzies for the doctor in a field hospital. They didn't seem to like each other much, never mind love each other! For me, the romance was totally flat and unrealistic. I will, though, give the author props for the very interesting bits of Civil War history.

I received a copy of this book courtesy of NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

I recently read this for the Extreme Book Nerd Challenge using it for the sad book category and enjoyed it. This is certainly a book with many twists and turns. One wonderful woman, who faces every challenge imaginable, with two brave men fighting for what they believe. This is just my kind of story!

Gina Danna is very good writer. This book really is a game changer in her book. I was alittle disappointed in this book. Next time Gina.

Publisher's NetGalley


Rags and Hope
Hearts Touched by Fire
by Gina Danna
This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.
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To The Bitter End Publishing
Historical Fiction , Romance
Pub Date 16 Apr 2018
Archive Date 14 May 2018
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Description
There was one thing about the War of Rebellion they could both understand: At least on the battlefield, the enemy is clear.



Thanks to his father’s political machinations, grieving widower Colonel...

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Description
There was one thing about the War of Rebellion they could both understand: At least on the battlefield, the enemy is clear.



Thanks to his father’s political machinations, grieving widower Colonel Pierce Duval wants nothing more than to leave his family home in New York and return to his Union command in Tennessee. A chance and harrowing encounter with a true-blue Southern belle stirs emotions in him he thought long buried. When her safety is at stake, how can he not help her?



Cerisa Fontaine ran away from her wealthy Louisiana home, hoping to form a new life where no one would know her family’s awful secret. But her controversial marriage and southern drawl make her a pariah in New York. Her situation becomes downright perilous when her husband is killed in battle and Cerisa is left alone and penniless, forced to seek employment at the only establishment that will accept her: a brothel. When the handsome colonel offers her a way out, she’s compelled to accept despite his Yankee roots.

Each for self-serving reasons of their own, Pierce and Cerisa embark on a journey south to Tennessee, posing as a married couple. But even as their secrets stand between them, their passion wages its own war against their better judgment. All too soon, they must make a life altering choice: remain loyal to their cause, or give in to their heart’s desire.

My Thoughts:
This isn't your typical Civil War romance starting out 28th the eventual heroine in a controversial marriage to a black soldier.
I don't read much civil war romance anymore having been burned out on it a long time ago. But this book seemed at first to be a different take on it and I have enjoyed this author's work in the past. I was disappointed in the eventual direction this book took. It wasn't unreadable but I just couldn't make myself like it.
I gave the book 3.5 of 5 stars for storyline and characterization and a sensual rating of 3 of 5 flames. Our hero and heroine simply fell into each others arms too quickly for my liking. Maybe I will reread at some future date and give it another chance.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book from the publisher to read and review. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

The description for Rags and Hope sounded interesting and I've enjoyed books by Gina Danna before, but I couldn't finish this one. The plot was too unbelievable for me and I really wanted the book to be about Cerisa and Abraham and their controversial marriage. I'm not a fan of books that begin with a main character in love with someone else - I guess I get attached and then disappointed when they fall for another person.

Cerisa Fontaine was a Louisiana belle, wealthy beautiful and with family secrets that would cause scandal. Fleeing to New York her husband killed in battle she’s left penniless with no prospects of work, her speech making her persona non grata in New York society. Unfortunately for her the only place that have no problems with her is a brothel. Her salvation came in Pierce Duval his offer to pose as a married couple is her way out. Unbeknownst to her he’s running away from his own demons.

Pierce Duval has had more than his share of grief after his wife’s death and horrific nightmares from the war. The last thing he wants is his father manipulating him for his political gains. All he wants is to go back to Tennessee to the Union army, at least there he can fight the enemy he sees. That’s his plan until he comes across the beautifull Cerisa Fontaine a woman beaten by circumstances but with a will of steel to survive, her spirit calls to him and he can’t refuse to help her.....the attraction is palpable which will make for a very passionate journey. Will they be able to let go of their secrets and differences and open their hearts to a love that only comes once in a lifetime?

This was a fantastic read full of emotions and second chances, Gina Danna has done an amazing job at bringing the characters and setting of the time period to life. Her discriptive portrayal just jumps out of the pages to give a glimpse of the past. I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend this book.

I recieved a copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This is my honest unbiased opinion.

Widower Colonel Pierce Duval wants nothing more than to leave his family home in New York leaving behind the painful memories of his wife and return to his Union command in Tennessee.
Cerisa Fontaine ran away from her wealthy Louisiana home, hoping to form a new life where no one would know her family's awful secret. After her controversial marriage to Abraham her situation becomes downright perilous when her husband is killed in battle. Penniless and left alone Cerisa seeks employment at the only establishment that will accept her: a brothel.
Pierce encounters the southern bluebell and is instantly attracted to her stirring up emotions he thought long buried with his dead wife. Pierce makes Cerisa an offer and they embark on a journey south to Tennessee, posing as a married couple. Many people during the civil war had similar struggles, some were immersed in the past and some struggle to stay alive every day. Cerisa, Abraham and Pierce were forced overcome incredible odds to in order to live the lives they sought, one of freedom and love. Even as secrets stand between Pierce and Cerisa, these two wounded souls struggle to build something they can hold on too, a love to last a lifetime. This is my honest opinions after I voluntarily read a copy of this book that was provided to me with no requirements for a review

A roller Coaster of emotions. Ups and downs, death, marriage, fierce love. The civil war a time of challenges, battles and fear. Yet hope and determination.

Being a massive Gina Danna books, I was let down by this one. It seems more like a Christian romance. I was a little bit put out by how quickly Cerisa and Pierce fell into each other arms when they both lost their spouses. It was just too fast for me. Being a big fan of civil war romance, it was good thought to learn more about the Black troops sent to war and the battle with the Irish immigrants.
I received this ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review that is all my own.