Rags and Hope

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.

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.

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

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.