Dreams of Savannah by Roseanna M. White is an excellent historical fiction novel that has it all: history, action, suspense, romance, obstacles, beautiful landscapes, and faith.

I loved the beautiful images and descriptions of the trees, gardens, landscapes, buildings, plantations, and homes that made up the richly historic Savannah, Georgia in 1861. The author was impressive in her ability to place the reader within that time and into that location.

I love that Ms. White places us within the lives, minds, and thought processes of the people that make up the Confederate. One does not have to agree with the mentality of those one reads about to appreciate experiencing their way of thinking. Many were brought up within this society and through multiple generations, accepted this way of life. In no means am I condoling this acceptance of ideals and customs, and neither is the author, but in placing oneself into the thoughts of another, one can see how it is not black and white for anyone. There were decent, hardworking people caught up within the South that were lumped together with those that were wrong. There were families that were afraid, that had inner battles of their own of what was right and was wrong, that were also caught up in circumstances not of their choosing. While I will be supporter of the Union without a doubt, it was interesting to read about characters from the Confederate and how they felt what they felt to justify and rationalize their beliefs.

I really like Cordelia (Delia) and Phineas (Phin). They were wonderfully depicted and complex characters that were flawed, imperfect, and realistic. They were down to earth, like able and had a moral compass that helped guide them toward one another, growth, and towards the right paths as the book progresses. Their passion, love, and faith was evident throughout the story.

My personal favorite characters were Salina and River. They were strong, positive people that were able to find one another and help others during this horrific time of oppression and of limited opportunities in the South. They were able to use their education to help others and find happiness for themselves. I would love to read a book that followed them from this book onward. That would be truly enjoyable.

5/5 stars

Thank you NetGalley and Bethany House Publishing for this arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR, Instagram, and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 1/5/21.