"Love in a Time of Hate" by Matthew Langdon Cost is a captivating historical novel set in post-Civil War New Orleans, where a young man from Maine finds himself entangled in the fight for social equality, a pursuit of a serial killer, and the mysteries of voodoo, all while navigating the complexities of love.

The narrative centers on Emmett, a character whose journey embodies the struggle for social equality in a divided and tumultuous post-war society. Cost skillfully weaves a tapestry of themes, including race relations, politics, voodoo, murder, and love, creating a rich and immersive reading experience. The author's portrayal of New Orleans as a literal battleground adds a layer of intensity to the story.

The characters in "Love in a Time of Hate" are well-drawn and multi-dimensional, each contributing to the novel's intricate plot. Emmett's dedication to education as a tool for equality is a poignant and timely theme, reflecting the broader societal challenges faced during this period. Manon's statement, "Education is the tool that makes us all equal," resonates as a powerful message that transcends the historical setting and remains relevant today.

The novel's structure, much like Louisiana's gumbo, is a delightful mix of varied ingredients. The central theme of social equality is complemented by subplots that seamlessly blend together. The exploration of voodoo adds a touch of mysticism and cultural richness, while the pursuit of a serial killer keeps the plot suspenseful and engaging.

The writing style is evocative, transporting readers to the post-Civil War era with vivid descriptions and a well-researched historical backdrop. Cost successfully captures the atmosphere of the time, making the setting an integral part of the narrative. The Rebel scream and the battle scenes evoke a sense of urgency and tension, heightening the stakes for the characters.

While the novel is a well-crafted historical drama, some readers may find certain elements of the plot predictable. Additionally, the complexity of the various subplots may require careful attention, and some aspects could benefit from further exploration to enhance depth.

In conclusion, "Love in a Time of Hate" is a four-star read that skillfully combines historical drama, social commentary, and mystery. Matthew Langdon Cost's storytelling prowess and the nuanced portrayal of characters make this novel a compelling and thought-provoking journey through post-Civil War New Orleans. With its blend of diverse themes and well-developed characters, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers who appreciate a richly layered historical narrative.

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC. I loved this book mostly for the description of New Orleans and the time frame for which the story takes place. Any book that can transport me mentally is a must read for me. This story was so real and intriguing!

⭐⭐⭐

I wanted to enjoy this one more than I ended up. That's not to say it isn't a very well written book. It is. I just struggled at times with the amount of violence and wordiness of the story. I loved the characters, the historical angle, the voodoo. But ultimately it just never felt like the story really took off (if that makes sense?) However, I would still recommend trying it as I think it has a lot of great things going for it.

**ARC Via NetGalley**

It's easy to read about the past in a history book and be a bit removed from the reality of what life was probably like. In this book, Cost let you step back through time and get a peek at the past. The imagery is powerful, the characters well-developed, and the pacing on point. You quickly get wrapped up in all that is going on, and you won't want to put it down. A great trip into the past that mystery and historical fiction lovers alike will enjoy.

3.75 stars-- LOVE IN A TIME OF HATE by Matthew Langdon Cost is story of historical fiction focusing on the fight for social equality in the aftermath of the American Civil War.

WARNING: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

NOTE: LOVE IN A TIME OF HATE features characters first introduced in the author’s 2015 release JOSHUA CHAMBERLAIN AND THE CIVIL WAR: AT EVERY HAZARD.

Told from third person perspective, covering the time period between 1866 to 1874, LOVE IN A TIME OF HATE follows former Union soldier Emmett Collins as he embarks on a career in the Confederate held state of Louisiana, to aid in Black suffrage, and the establishment of schools for recently freed slaves. In the wake of the Emancipation Proclamation, and the end of the US Civil War, the African American population continued to face racism, discrimination and monumental hardships throughout the American south, but no where more so than in the city of New Orleans-enter Emmett Collins, whose battle to help the impoverished former slaves resulted in threats to his life, and the people he loved. As Emmett worked tirelessly to establish himself, the white politicians, the wealthy, and the Knights of the White Camellia worked behind the scenes to take down the former slaves, and our hero, one battle at a time.

LOVE IN A TIME OF HATE is a story of historical fiction, based loosely in fact, with the inclusion of several important politicians of the day. 1870s Louisiana is awash in Voo-doo, prostitution, murder, serial rapes and killings; political power and white supremacy, and yet, somewhat mirrors life in the 21st century. A strong, thought-provoking and tragic reminder of what was, and what should never again, be.




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B&N (Sandy_thereadingcafe) posted

I love books that take place in New Orleans and also the VooDoo part of this story had me hooked and Madame Laveau was amazing and I loved her from the start. The book is well written but some parts felt a little longer than necessary. There are a lot of graphic scenes which I didn’t really enjoy but overall it’s a good book!

This book wasn't for me!!!

In the story which is of around the Civil War times, Emmett Collins, the main lead of the story, has been sent to New Orleans to start schools for the refugees, freed slaves. He finds friends and love there and decides to stay. his story of being an outsider and being accepted by his unlikes was my main focus in the story.

The Voodoo, the ritual was all my point of attraction (Coz I am a sucker for such things) and this part of the story would not disappoint I can assure you that. However, the description of violence, rape, and abuse was unexpected and a turn-off for me.

Keeping the violence, rape, and abuse aside, I loved a few characters, which will remain imprinted in my mind forever. The writing style of the Author was impressive (apart from the part where violence, rape were involved).

Overall, good book with a great story and a view from a different angle.

Thank you #Netgalley for the ARC
#LoveinaTimeofHate

I didn't know anything about VooDoo prior to this book. It definitely made me interested in learning more about it. The writing was good at explaining in detail things, but at times it seemed like too much, often too "wordy" I liked reading it because it made me think of what it's like in someone else's shoes, which is big to me, something I am always trying to learn and consider. A trigger warning or content warning would be a good addition because of some scenes of violence, abuse, and rape.

I really wanted to like this book but it was not for me. There was a strong sense of presentism and it read more like a history book to me.

"If you truly love somebody, you put their happiness in front of your own satisfaction."

"Love in a Time of Hate" takes place after the civil war, where the main character Emmett Collins is assigned to New Orleans to create schools for the slaves that had been freed. Emmet stays in New Orleans even after his assignment is finished because New Orleans had become home to him. In New Orleans he makes friends, rekindles old love, finds love and acceptance, while also experiencing life as an unwanted outsider in a very close knit community. Love is the running theme, surrounded by hatred and uncertainty.

After reading "Love in a Time of Hate" I reflected on how, we never really can know what it is like to live in someone else's shoes. We cannot fully understand decisions made and motives for anyone excepting for ourselves. Just after the Civil War, the separation of races was real. Each side finding their own kind of justice and understanding.

I will say there was a good deal I appreciated in "Love in a Time of Hate." I don't know much about VooDoo, but reading this perspective was interesting and informative. Madame Laveu's deep wisdom easily made her my favorite character in the book. I did feel this book was longer than it needed to be. Some of the descriptiveness, in my opinion, could have been stated more simply and left to the imagination of the reader. It also should be stated that there are trigger warnings for rape and abuse, due to the nature of the content of the book. The ending resolved well, for me. The characters stayed true and were able to somewhat resolve their inner battles and came up winning.

I was sucked in at the very beginning. Giving background information to set the scene/time frame was genius.

The main problem I had with the book is how graphic the descriptions were. I understand that these are necessary for a realistic experience of the time period but this book wouldn’t be a good fit for my bookclub.