I loved this book and loved this very beautiful cover. Enjoyed reading about Savannah during the civil war. White has created very believable characters that you can envision and relate to them. Delia in the beginning was a carefree young girl, rather on the giddy side, but as you read, she grows into a lovely independent woman. Who learned to care about others and feel deeply. Then we have Salina, a beautiful mulatto who Delia’s daddy had given to her for her personal slave. There is something quite different about her and her relation to Delia. Phin the only man that Delia has ever cared for but her father has refused him to even court her.He wants someone better for his daughter and has more land to offer to him. A lovely story altogether with it’s ends and outs. Despite the war going on around them, this is a story to hold your attention and reading to see how it will all end. Kudos to White for a winter in Dreams Of Savanna……..I received an arc e-copy from the publisher and this is my honest review.

First of all this cover is absolutely stunning and definitely needs a moment of appreciation.
And now on to the actual review. Coming off of the high from the last three connected series that Roseanna White has written that I’ve absolutely adored I was a little hesitant about this book. Especially since we were switching time periods and continents, and I just wasn’t ready to leave the characters we’ve come to love. But growing up I was fascinated with the Civil War so I was intrigued at what this story would deliver. White’s skill as an author definitely shone through and there was no denying the quality of the writing but for me this story wasn’t a favorite. The author definitely gave an honest look at how things were in the south and the viewpoints that many southerners held, but it was also hard to get behind a hero and heroine that believes as they did. They did have changes of heart as the book progressed but I wanted to see a little more of the process to that point rather than the sudden shift that seemed to occur. And selfishly I really wanted more romance from this book, the couple were barely in the same country let alone the same room for almost all of the book and my romance loving self was a little disappointed by that.
I did overall appreciate the author’s writing talent and the way she gave a true glimpse into what things were like in the south during this tumultuous time.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I first fell in love with Roseanna M. White when reading "A Name Unknown" (1st of her Shadows Over England series). While excited to dive into this new standalone story, this felt more like a debut author writing than who I read before. As it turns out, I was not too far off: the author herself states in the Author's Notes that the story of Cordelia was first started in 2011. Roseanna states in the Author Notes, "Nine years ...saw a lot of change in my writing, my career, and my country." Her craft, since then, truly has expounded and she is an author that you will find on my bookshelves. However, I don't think this story will be one of them. If this was a movie, I would give awards to the Best Supporting Actors for it was with Sal's story that I finally felt engaged in "Dreams of Savannah." Phineus' character struggles but I didn't feel his struggle--it felt disjointed. I like how Cordelia's character forges through the conundrum of Slavery but overall I just didn't "click" with her character.

I can see why the publishers chose to accept this story for publication now, in the season of turmoil and contention between people groups in America. Oppression. Silenced voices. These are themes within her story that resonate with today's culture.

Overall, I would have liked a little more from the characters in this story. I am thankful I had the opportunity to read "Dreams of Savannah" and see how far Roseanna M. White has come in her ability to tell a story. I give this one 3.8 stars, for even though I felt it could have been deeper, smoother--the story is still memorable. Thank you Roseanna for sharing your Baby with us. I pray God continues to bless you in your writing career, favor you with the publishers, and whispers storylines that touch hearts and lives for Him. You have a gift and I am so glad you have found strength to thrive in it.

Other books I have read in this era/genre have been by Jocelyn Green's "Heroines Behind the Lines Series" and Mary Lu Tyndall's "Vail of Pearls" as well as the collection from "Central Park Rendezvous."

Thank you Bethany House and Netgalley for this ARC. The opinions here are my own and I give them honestly.

It took me a “long minute” to get into this book. Maybe I was distracted or not ready to switch genres from my last book. I like Roseanna White and love her books so I honestly think it’s just me. I suddenly couldn’t put it down and read until 1:30 am! Now I want to go back and read the beginning all over.

This is a historical Fiction book. Slavery was depicted. My heart was happy with the friendship that developed between Luther and Phin. The love and friendship portrayed were deeply developed. I highly recommend this book.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the Publisher and was under no obligation to post a favorable review.

I have to start by saying I was torn as to whether or not I wanted to read this book. Roseanna White is one of my favorite authors and I usually buy her books without hesitation. However, when I saw this book was set in the Old SWouth I hesitated. The Old South is just about my least favorite setting, but Roseanna White!! What a dilemma. So I decided to give her a chance, could she make me like a book set in the Old South? I admit I struggled with the first five chapters, then I started to get into the plot. The characters came to life and I was hooked. I must admit that I came to really enjoy this book.

So grab a pitcher of tea and settle in on the porch swing and read Dreams Of Savannah.

I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley.com with no expectations. All thoughts are my own.

This was truly the BEST story! I adored Cordelia and her storyish personality. She is going to be one of my favorite characters ever. Part of what I also loved about her as well as Phin was the character growth through the book. I really appreciate Roseanna writing them the way she did and how their beliefs changed and grew throughout the book. Truly excellent writing. I also really enjoyed the character of Luther. He was a great addition to the story and I loved the banter between Phin and Luther, it was humorous while helping show Phin growing as a character. The story is completely immersive and just flat out wonderful. It will definitely be on of my absolute favorite 2021 reads. Don't miss this one!!

I received this book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my honest opinion.

My very favorite era to read about, the Civil War. I had no doubt whatsoever of not liking this book. Delicate issues wrote about with care. Reading all about Phin’s troubles on the ship I was on pins and needles. Troubles abound and I couldn’t wait to read more.
I absolutely adored Delia and Phin’s story and also enjoyed Luther, Eva, River’s and Salina’s and so many other’s story.
I loved this quote from the book. “There are pauses we all need. Those moments of beauty we can look back on, take strength from, when we’re in the valley of shadows again.”
This book has a spiritual thread along with hope for the slaves freedom and education. Also there was hope for some of the privileged people that had grown up with slaves all their life to actually see slaves as a human being with feelings, hopes and dreams.
Thanks to the author Roseanna White because this book has blessed me.
I received this book from NetGalley through Bethany House Publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

After a slow start, I was enthralled by this story and couldn’t put it down! As the story progresses main characters Cornelia and Phineas experience spiritual and personal growth and their perceptions change which kept me reading! In this captivating story, consummate storyteller Roseanne White portrays the complex realities of life in the Civil War Era in the South with historical accuracy. These realities including slavery are not pretty but are handled thoughtfully and with care. In this book, we get a thought-provoking view of the era from the eyes of the slave owners and the slaves also. As the author says in her notes, ”There were heroes—and villains—on both sides of the conflict. Most of all, there were people. People, as Cordelia discovered, with stories to tell.”
Ms. White’s use of descriptive language and sensory imagery bring the settings to life. The characters are multi-dimensional and unique showing resilience in the face of difficult circumstances. Outstanding, well-crafted secondary characters—Luther, Salina, and River—are intriguing and add depth to the story. The story primarily follows the relationship of Cornelia Owens and Phineas Dunn who are deeply in love but kept apart by family expectations and war, but Salina’s and Luther’s subplots are endearing and enrich the main plot. These multiple storylines intertwine in an amazing way and mesh together beautifully for a satisfying ending. I enjoyed Cordelia’s daydreams and “stories within the story” that entertain and bring hope in the darkest of times.
The faith element flows naturally throughout the story with prayers and scripture. I love the conversations between Luther and Phineas with enlightening spiritual truths. Also, the messages of hope and the value of all human life are inspiring. I highly recommend this book especially for lovers of historical romance.
I received a copy of this book in e-book form from the publisher through netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Savannah is a beautiful city. So I was happy to see a story written there by a favorite author. It is a change from her England set novels. Delia and Finn both have much to learn and grow as we begin to learn their story at the beginning of the Civil War. Finn is heading out on a ship for the Confederacy. Delia and he do not have a formal agreement between them, so other suitors are welcomed by her parents. This story is written so well. This time is history is so hard. The way topics were handled and presented were in very good taste. The beauty of Savannah shines through. I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All views stated are my own.

When I "met" Cordelia, I felt like she was modeled after me! Other than her being the daughter of a plantation owner in a different century and some other finicky details. But her love for people, stories, and romance, her ability to see beyond what is visible into the "perhaps", and her boundless optimism? Yeah. I'm her. She made me laugh at the way she assumed she was able to accomplish things she had never even tried to do before, simply because a proper heroine would have been able to do them.

I loved Phin. For the way he encouraged Delia with her daydreaming and stories. And how he readily swooped in to play the part of the hero. He understood her in a way no one else did.

Both Delia and Phin had always considered themselves Christians. Proper, upstanding members of the highest society. Yet as war began to tear their lives apart, they came to see the truth about themselves and their need for a saving faith in Jesus.

When Phin was at his lowest and feared he would die, he couldn't even find the words to pray... But God, in His mercy, sent deliverance from a most unlikely source. And helped Phin to turn his life around and to give him a different perspective. Where he had previously listened apathetically to the sermons on Sundays, he now searched the Scriptures to find the truths there and learn how to apply them to his life. He even began to look quite differently at the issue of slavery.

When the truths on which Delia had built her foundation crumbled beneath her and then she received the news of Phin's death, instead of breaking, these things caused her to draw strength from the Lord and cling to hope. I especially loved the way she showed such kindness and grace to those who had caused her such grief.

As much as I enjoyed this couple, my favorite character was Luther. His close relationship to the Lord, the hours he spent in prayer and reading scripture, his unrelenting hope for reconciliation with his wife, and especially the way he loved one who was practically his enemy touched my heart. His friendship with Phin was a lot of fun - I loved how they were able to communicate with just a look.

This incredible story delves so much deeper than the issue of slavery which triggered the Civil War. It puts faces on the oppressed and shows reasons beyond the one most often associated with it. I highly recommend it for all who enjoy reading historical fiction that makes them think.

Cordelia Owens can weave a hopeful dream around anything and is well used to winning the hearts of everyone in Savannah with her whimsy. Even when she receives word that her sweetheart has been lost during a raid on a Yankee vessel, she clings to hope and comes up with many a romantic tale of his eventual homecoming to reassure his mother and sister.


But Phineas Dunn finds nothing redemptive in the first horrors of war. Struggling for months to make it home alive, he returns to Savannah injured and cynical, and all too sure that he is not the hero Cordelia seems determined to make him. Matters of black and white don't seem so simple anymore to Phin, and despite her best efforts, Delia's smiles can't erase all the complications in his life. And when Fort Pulaski falls and the future wavers, they both must decide where the dreams of a new America will take them, and if they will go together.

I couldn't put this book down. I kept wanting to find out was going to happen next. I don't know whether to call this a romance or mystery novel. Phin gets stranded in Cuba with life threatening injuries. Delia can't believe that Phin is dead. Her dad is trying to push her into an advantageous with a distant cousin who's a scoundrel. This is Phin and Delia's journey to find each other. I highly recommend this book.

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

Dreams of Savannah, by Roseanna M. White, is a sweet Christian Historical Romance novel that is set during the Civil War. Phineas has gone off to war without declaring his love to Cordelia. After being shot and fallen into the ocean, his washes up on the Cuban shores and found by a free English Black minister. While he lays there unconscious, Cordelia’s parents try to get her to marry someone else, but she clings to the hope that Phineas will come back to her. Cordelia spends her days reading, writing and acting out stories. She also uses one of her stories to help raise funds to help the war efforts.

This is a sweet story of enduring love. While the main part of the story is of the love Phineas and Cordelia have for each other and what they will do to get back together, the story also touches on the beliefs of the time. The story also touches on slavery as it was at the time and the terrible things that happened to them. The story shows how Phineas’ views on slavery change while being cared for.

I really enjoyed reading this story. The writing is so descriptive and easy to follow. The characters are strong and mostly caring people. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Bethany House Publishers through NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

I always enjoy books by Roseanna M. White but like many others I was uncertain whether I would like the change from World War 1 era England to the Civil War era Georgia. I need not have been concerned. Like every other novel I have read by this talented author, Dreams of Savannah featured well-developed characters who exhibited obvious growth over the course of their story. Unafraid to tackle tough and sensitive subjects, White handled each one with tact and thoughtfulness.

I was not exactly fond of either Cordelia or Phin at the beginning. They each seemed to be the stereotypical spoiled children of wealthy plantation owners. Fortunately there was more to both characters than first met the eye and I grew to care about them both before the end of their tale. Several other strong supporting characters added depth to the story and helped me see a side of the south that is not normally presented. More than just a love story, Dreams of Savannah is filled with action, danger, and an intimate look into the lives of slaves and their owners.

As always with the author’s books, I heartily recommend Dreams of Savannah and hope others will enjoy it as well.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

Roseanna M. White is one of my favorite authors and I know immediately upon getting one of her books that it is going to be amazing. This book is no exception. It's phenomenal.

While the last few series that I have read by this author have taken place in WWI this one goes for the Civil War. The Civil War is very familiar to me as I have reenacted it since I was seven years old. Because of them, I have lots of factual knowledge and often don't really enjoy the books written about the era if they don't have their history correct.

I love that Roseanna M White always seems to do her work on studying the era she's writing about. This book is absolutely no different. There are twists and turns and you'll be biting your nails while you wait to find out what is going to happen with Cordelia and Phineas. They're in love but so much is keeping them apart. From her family to his being shot and lost at sea with the war. And then add in the Yankees on their way to town, slavery, and more family and you've got a book with all the action.

I loved getting to know Cordelia and her love for storytelling. It's through this love that she truly gets to know those around her as she learns their stories and puts them to paper. And then there is the connection she feels to her maid/slave as well as Phineas even when he's far away and she hasn't heard from him in forever.

Oh and add in a bad guy and you've got a wonderful book! I highly recommend that you read this book. You definitely will not regret it. It's a great book and it kept me reading till the end. Of course, I was disappointed in the end because it was the end and there are still so many stories that need to be told!

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

From a shining voice in inspirational fiction comes a tender tale of love, loss, and hope.



What I love about Roseanna M. White’s stories is that whichever era she writes about comes to life as you read. She’s proven her deft ability at writing about England in the Edwardian era and during WWI, and now has shown her talent with the South during the Civil War. It takes a skilled hand and sensitivity to weave a tale that leaves a reader feeling hopeful after reading about the darkest chapter in our nation’s history, and White has both in spades.



The characters in this story feel like people you know in real life. Cordelia was a delightful heroine. As a writer, I totally related to her overactive imagination and true appreciation for words. In the beginning she was a bit naïve, especially when it came to the lives of slaves. Yet there was so much growth for this character over the course of the story. I loved how she came to see that every person has a story worth telling and worked to tell the story of those who were all too often overlooked. I also loved Salina. Brave and strong with a big heart, this young woman was the definition of a heroine. She’s the type that you would want to befriend in real life. In the beginning, I wasn’t so sure about Phin. He didn’t seem to notice the slaves or the way they were being mistreated, which got to me. But as the story progressed, so did this character, and I believe this was the author’s intent; to show that people can change for the better. And then there is Luther. A brave and faithful man, his devotion to Eva was lovely, as was the kindness he showed toward Phin.



While this is very much a character-driven book, the setting is rich as well. The scent of magnolias will curl through readers’ heads and images of Spanish moss dripping off buildings and trees will dance before their mind’s eye as they flip through the pages.



Thoughtful, hopeful, and faithful, Dreams of Savannah is a resilient story that depicts the strength of the human spirit in the face of tragic circumstances. Readers across the board will want to read this book.

I started this book really conflicted. With the eye-opening chaos within the country over the last year concerning racial issues, I had a hard time with a book set in the south during the Civil War. I didn't want to find myself sympathizing with characters who felt like slavery was okay, as long as they treated their own slaves decently, or who really felt like the whole war was over states' rights. I should have known that Roseanna White would do better than that. There are still stories to be told about the south, from both white and black points of view, and there had to be turning points for some to realize that the way of life they were used to was not the right way to live. So, while this book still made me uncomfortable, I think it fell mostly on the side of highlighting just how wrong it really was.

4 stars - I almost put it down early on, but I am glad that I did not. It's tough for me to read stories with characters who are just wrong, and refuse to open their eyes to what's right, but I was glad for those characters whose eyes were open to the people they had chosen not to see before.

I received a digital copy of this book, via NetGalley, from the publisher, in exchange for my honest review.

It was fun to get to know Cordelia and Phin in this book set during the Civil War. Even though the war is part of the story it doesn’t overtake it. Cordelia, Phin, and several other characters are front and center without feeling secondary.

I did STRUGGLE to like Cordelia’s family at all. They were not at all the type of characters I like and I feel they were villains in this story.

In this book the characters have to decide exactly where they stand and how they affect others’ stories. What role do they play in each person’s life? This is something that has stuck with me even after I finished the book. What role do I play in the lives of people around me?

I received a complimentary copy of Dreams of Savannah from the publishers. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Cordelia Owens has dreams of romance and visions of marrying her best friend, Phineas Dunn. He’s the only man who takes her storytelling seriously. The night before Phineas ships out to fight the Yankees, Cordelia promises to wait for him, little knowing what her words might mean in the months ahead.

Cordelia must hold fast to her hope when Phin disappears after his ship engages with an enemy ship in the Caribbean. She must hold fast when her parents insist she considers other suitors. And she must hold fast to hope when she discovers a long-buried family secret.

War turns out nothing like Phineas Dunn expected it to. Instead of glory and victory, he experiences betrayal and abandonment. For weeks he hovers between life and death with only the dream of Cordelia and her love for him to sustain him. As he struggles to return home to Savannah, everything he once thought of as gospel truth comes into question.

Because of his journey, Phin has no idea if a future with the one person who completes him is something he should hope or dream of.

What’s Good About This Book

I requested an advanced reader copy of Dreams of Savannah because of the author. Roseanna M. White ranks up there as one of my favorite historical fiction authors. And then I realized the time period Ms. White chose to tackle and opened the book with trepidation.

For years I’ve read books by Christian authors who glamorize the plantation culture of the antebellum South. Sure, they threw in a token ‘slavery was bad’ message at random, but rarely did an author take on the degradation both owners and slaves suffered under the system of slavery.

For much of the book, the heroine seems to live in the happy-clueless-debutant bubble that plagues so many Southern heroines. Fortunately, she doesn’t stay there. Instead, Cordelia must face the consequences of her father’s actions and reconcile what she thinks to be true to the actual truth—enslaved people don’t enjoy their enslavement.

Likewise, Phin progresses from a likable, if slightly arrogant, hero to a man steeped in God’s word. Word that prevents him from accepting the status quo of his upbringing and deciding if he has the bravery within himself to make changes.

The task Ms. White embarked on proves formidable—especially in our current turbulent times where the veil of history is slowly being peeled away. Old tropes of happy slaves no longer work because more people can clearly see the lie. Ms. White wields her scalpel with a delicate touch and leaves the reader with no doubt about two things: slavery was (and is) wrong and God has the power to change us from within.

This story takes us to Georgia at the beginning of the Civil War. Cordelia (Delia), Lacy, their parents Mr and Mrs Owens, Phineas, Luther/Monty, River, Salina, Eva, Julius, Sassy are the most prominent in the story, along with others that have a more minor role. Beautiful telling that puts us in the heart of the uncertainty and courage and the beginning of the war. A great look at both sides of the struggle through the main characters and the slaves they own, as well as the questions they grapple with. The main characters are likeable and the story moves along at a good pace with the subset of minor characters coming in to play.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House. A review was not required and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Dreams of Savannah
by Roseanna M. White
5 stars

Book Blurb: “Cordelia Owens can weave a hopeful dream around anything and is well used to winning the hearts of everyone in Savannah with her whimsy. Even when she receives word that her sweetheart has been lost during a raid on a Yankee vessel, she clings to hope and comes up with many a romantic tale of his eventual homecoming to reassure his mother and sister.

But Phineas Dunn finds nothing redemptive in the first horrors of war. Struggling for months to make it home alive, he returns to Savannah injured and cynical, and all too sure that he is not the hero Cordelia seems determined to make him. Matters of black and white don't seem so simple anymore to Phin, and despite her best efforts, Delia's smiles can't erase all the complications in his life. And when Fort Pulaski falls and the future wavers, they both must decide where the dreams of a new America will take them, and if they will go together.”

In this standalone novel by Roseanna M. White we’re swept into the humid south of Savannah, Georgia during the Civil War. We start our story with Cordelia our heroine saying goodbye to our hero Phin (with a most romantic kiss). A lot of gripping events occur in between Phin’s departure and his return. You’re rooting for him to get home to his sweetheart and for Cordelia as she keeps hopeful that he will come home.

I loved that Cordelia was a writer and looked at people and wondered what their story was. In that time period a woman writer was looked down on and Phin supported her writing and imagination.
I appreciated the faith content as Phin changes after his time at war and when he becomes injured. His faith, demeanor and outlook of how he was raised is changed by his trials. This was such an emotionally gripping story. There were several times that I was almost holding my breath, yelling in my head for a character to do the right thing. I highly recommend this book!

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and the author. All opinions are my own.