Dreams of Savannah

DREAMS OF SAVANNAN by ROSEANNA M. WHITE is a historical romance novel which takes place in Savannah during the American Civil War.
Cordelia Owens is a beautiful young lady with a vivid imagination, who loves reading and writes the most fantastic stories in which she is often the heroine who is saved by the dashing hero, in the form of Phineas Dunn. He finds this enchanting, but when hard times come will their tenuous relationship be strong enough? She has dreams which her beloved slave, Selena, also has, which either frighten her or give her hope, and lead her to pray even harder for Phin when he is away at war.
When Delia takes an interest in her parents' slaves and their stories, she is ashamed that people can be owned by someone else and seen as inferior beings because of their skin colour, even though the slaves in their household have always been treated relatively well.
When Phin finally comes home from the war, injured and somehow different, with a huge mute black man called Monty, Delia sees a big change in him.
I am not going to tell you any more for fear of spoiling things for you.
There is a really good Christian message of redemption and God's protection and the importance of knowing and following the Scriptures. It is a really lovely book and well worth reading.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. the opinions in this review are completely my own.

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.

Roseanna M White includes everything in her books--underdogs, bad guys in sheep's clothing, conflict, the girl who knows her own mind, dreams, fairy tales, historical components, and sometimes the kitchen sink. That is what makes her books so compelling and intriguing.

The Underdog--Phineas "Phin" Dunn
The Bad Guy--Julius James
The Conflict--the War Between the States, or the uncivil Civil War
The Girl--Cordelia Owens
The Dream--for Phin it's to marry Cordelia, and for Cordelia it's to marry Phin; but there are other dreams involved with other characters: Luther, Eva, Salina, River, and Rock
The Fairy Tale--Rescuing the damsel in distress
The Historical Components--Savannah during the Civil War is accurately portrayed with research into the times and area being spot on.

Cordelia's father wants a match for her who will enrich the family coffers, and Phin is not that man in his eyes. When her mother's cousin, Julius, comes to town, he seems to fit the bill. But, Cordelia sees beyond the smooth exterior to his truly dark nature. She tries her hardest to tell her father what Julius is truly like, but until he sees it for himself, he won't believe anything bad about Julius.

Roseanna is such a good writer, I love reading her books. This is a five star book with two thumbs up and your favorite superhero--Underdog!

Bethany House Publishing and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

An incredible, heart-wrenching story of humanity and life from Roseanna M. White! Some extremely difficult topics are present in Dreams of Savannah, especially considering the current political climate, but White does a fantastic job of exhibiting growth in thought and action in her characters, and brings attention to the people behind the broad American Civil War era.

I cheered, I cried, I swooned, I reflected—I simply felt. White’s story forces the reader to take into perspective the way they are living their own life, and how they can grow and truly listen to what others are saying. It will open your eyes to privilege and the sides of history we’d like to ignore, but are still all too real and painful. It’s by no means an easy read, as terrible things happened and continue to happen in this country, but it is an utterly necessary story.

Every character is incredibly written. Some are completely and utterly horrific, some are completely and utterly remarkable. No matter which end of the spectrum they fall at, each character will make a distinct impression on the reader. I personally related most to Cordelia, with her tendency to romanticize and dream, but also to her growing desire to create great change and cultivate her own awareness. The intertwining stories and relationships often brought tears to my eyes. White’s incorporation of multiple points of view, both black and white characters, adds a depth to the story that is heartbreaking and illuminating.

Dreams of Savannah is a story I needed. It is impossible to ignore what is going on in the world right now, and I appreciate this story in this moment more than I can say. It is incredible as a story, but it will hopefully start a journey of individual self reflection that will lead to absorbing more points of view on this topic. From the characters to the history to the narrative, White has truly created something phenomenal. 5/5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Very intense emotional story set during the Civil War. Told in different perspectives, this historical account is eye opening. Such a hard time in our nation's history. My favorite character was Luther. This who enjoy this historical time period will be impressed with this book. Not light reading.

This was a different sort of novel after coming off of the codebreakers series. I think this story was very authentic to history, even though at times that made it hard to read. The storyline was pretty intense and serious. I think it would be hard to read this book and not be sympathetic for so many of the characters and their difficult situations, which unfortunately are historically accurate. I don’t think I was expecting how heavy this book felt.
The different points of view in this book allow the reader to experience the thoughts and feelings from several perspectives which offered a lot of depth to this story. My favorite characters were Luther and Phil. Their unlikely friendship was the heart of this story for me. I think readers who like a more serious and emotional story will really be impacted by this novel.

Whenever I read a Civil War romance, I can't help but hear characters from Gone With the Wind in my mind, often because the characters seem to be somewhat one dimensional. This book was a refreshing surprise for me. When I received a net galley copy of this book in exchange for my honest review, I was amazed at how much I really enjoyed it. The characters both Black and White were intelligently written, thoughtful, and well rounded. The story was very compelling and had me staying up late into the night to read "just one more chapter."

This story of the struggle of the Civil War was enhanced by the strong cast of characters and the interesting plot. There was the free Black man from England who was well educated searching for his wife mistakenly sold into slavery, the Southern gentleman fighting for states' rights yet fighting his own views of slavery and the war, the evil rogue who disrespects all women, the obtuse father who loves his daughters including one from his relationship with a slave, the Southern wife who overlooks her husband's flaws, the idealistic daughter who can't wait for her soldier to return and lives to write fantasy novels all the while becoming increasingly aware of the brutal reality surrounding her, the daughter who is half Black half White but doesn't fit neatly in either world, the slave who pretends he is less intelligent than he is yet willing to risk his life for others, and those who are just trying to find ways to survive as the war comes ever closer to Savannah.

Filled with romance, suspense, betrayal, and the ever soul-wrenching conflict of the Civil War, this book tells the struggles of several couples both Black and White in epic proportions. It is a must read for all those who enjoy historical religious fiction. The religious aspects of the story are nicely woven in throughout the story and are a natural part of the characters' lives. Highly recommend this book and hope that a sequel is in store because I can't wait to see what happens to these characters.

Roseanna White is an author I normally associate with exceptional novels based in England. However, she deviates from her usual activity in her latest, Dreams of Savannah, a story set in the early days of the Civil War. Here, tension mounts as races, ideals, and dreams collide when circumstances challenge deeply held beliefs. I adored the interplay between characters, but it was only deepened by the racial issues White cleverly brought into play.
Yes, there was a wonderful element of romance within the pages but the story was so much more than that. Rich in history, rich in meaning, and rich in truth, this story will mesmerize any reader. Fans of White will not want to miss this newest release!
I received this book from the author. All opinions are my own.

What a wonderful and complex story. I love historical fiction and Roseanna M. White does it so well. Her stories set in England are fabulous, and I had no idea what to expect from her American civil war story. I loved that I could not tell where it was going for the longest time. This story has it all; the difficult topics of the civil war, betrayal, suspense, history, action, family drama, secrets, obstacles, heroes, villains, and faith.

Phinneas Dunn leaves for naval service for the Confederate States with an understanding with his sweetheart Delia Owens.

Delia is a storyteller and entertains family and friends with her stories. Phin has Delia's father's permission to write to her from war.

"Well, as much as it might disappoint Delia if he wrote the naked truth to her, it wasn't a pretty story. It was just day after day, month after month of doing what had to be done."

Phinneas is injured and ends up being cared for (out of the country) by a pastor and a free black man from England. This time of healing makes an impact on Phin and challenges how he thinks. I love the friendship that develops between Phin and Luther, and the developing faith Phin experiences.
"Do you realize that in a single sentence you called me your friend, quoted scripture, and, in so doing, reminded me to have faith?"

"Mankind can have black hearts, it is true, no matter the color of their skin. "
"Though mankind did have a remarkable ability to be blind to what they didn't want to see."

"It's not that she (Delia) doesn't see the tragedy, she just chooses which stories to tell. " "We need happy stories in the midst of trials. They keep us going. Remind us of what we're struggling for."

"And since then, others had been seeking her out. They all had stories. Stories she was humbled and blessed to be entrusted with the telling of. Stories of heartbreak and injustice, sometimes. Stories of love and family, always. Stories of redemption and sacrifice, more often than not. Stories of.... humanity. stories that had changed her as she heard them, as she wrote them. Stories that made her wonder if that's what stories were meant to do."

I was thoroughly engaged and came to love Delia, Phin, Salina, River, and Luther, and did not want "Dreams of Savannah" to end!

Thank you to the author, publisher, and net galley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own. I highly recommend Dreams of Savannah!

Dreams of Savannah by Rosanna M. White is a stand alone novel, very much different than her previous Code Breaker series.

The Civil War era was a time of conflict. It was a time when society placed high expectations of marriage. Delia waiting for Phin to return from war. All the while her father pushing her to another more suited man. Meanwhile Phin is wounded and cared for by a British black man, Luther Bromley. Their story is very much at the heart of this novel.

As with her other novels, it is well researched by Rosanna M.White. I found the storyline to be a little heavy. Although it moved slow in some areas, the plot moved it along. A good historical novel.

I received a complimentary ebook copy from the publisher, through Net Galley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Dreams of Savannah by Roseanna M White grips you with a heart-pounding opening and doesn’t let go until the last satisfying word. I love her skill in pulling the reader in with believable, likable characters, interesting locations, and a message to keep you thinking about the book for days. Highly recommended.
Cordelia had a vivid imagination that entertained her family. Her family owns slaves and her thought process as she works through this was well written.
Phin is the man she has been holding out for. He goes to war and comes back injured and changed. He also does not come back alone.
They story had action and a thought provoking message. I would highly recommend this book.
I have yet to read a book by Roseanna that I haven’t fell in love with.

I received this book from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review.
You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.

Wow! This book what not what I have come to expect from Roseanna M. White as she takes a departure from her usual stories set in England, but I was not disappointed.

Dreams of Savannah carefully depicts life in Georgia during the time of the civil war and describes the plight of the African American slave as well as the struggles some masters undoubtedly felt about the injustice of being a slave owner and the inability to give the slave freedom due to the laws governing the land.
Cordelia has a vivid imagination and a love for writing stories which is both a blessing and a curse after she is separated from her love, Phin, when he leaves to serve in the war. The characters are called to re-evaluate and to consider if the way things are is the way things should still be. If it is time for change not only in society but in themselves.

If you enjoy dramas set in the old South complete with hoop skirts and southern belles, then I think you would enjoy this book.

Thank you Bethany House and Net Galley for the free copy of Dreams of Savannah. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Roseanna White's books always find their way to the top of my TBR and this should be no exception. I found this book to be very different from her other books, yet still at the high standard, if not higher, that her readers expect. To me a sign of a great author is that they can shift to different historical settings or genres with ease. This stirring tale is a satisfying blend of a fast-moving plot filled with danger and a developing romance that will satisfy every romantic heart.

Under White's skillful pen, it is the individual spiritual journeys that the hero and heroine undertake that is centerstage, as they face a moral dilemmas that questions their way of life. As the foundation of their world is crumbling, they each learn to rely on God's will, guiding them to make a difference in the lives of others.

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

"Dreams of Savannah" is a romance set in 1861 in Georgia (and briefly in Cuba). Phineas' family owns a plantation with slaves, though his grandfather had intended to free the slaves at his death. A new law prevented the freeing of slaves. Still, Phineas went off to join the Confederate Navy to defend his home and way of life and in hopes of winning the approval of Cordelia's father. Phineas loved that Cordelia's a storyteller and how she cared for the people around her. When he's wounded, washed overboard, and presumed dead, Cordelia's pressured by her father to marry someone that doesn't respect her and only wants her fortune. Even though Cordelia's world is shattering around her, she bravely stands against the pressure to conform and for what is right.

The main characters were complex, engaging, and reacted realistically to events. I cared about what happened to them. They grew as people as they faced hardship and relationship struggles. I liked how Phineas and Cordelia admired and loved the uniqueness of each other. Events refined that love and showed that they had chosen things more desirable in a marriage partner than power and wealth. The historical details were woven into the story and brought the time period alive in my imagination. There was a lot of suspense from the danger from the war and from those tempted to mistreat Cordelia and the slaves. Blacks (both free and slaves) were major characters with fully developed backgrounds. One major character was a Christian preacher who helped to further shape Phineas' views about slavery. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd highly recommend this interesting, suspenseful novel.

Roseanna M. White continues to be at the top of her game in Dreams of Savannah. She's long been an auto-read author for me and I've read a couple of her past series multiple times. Dreams of Savannah was a bit different from some of her more recent books (all set in England), but wow, I loved this story, loved the romance, and loved the long journey with these characters. There are some very tough pieces of our nation's history included in this book, but the author handled them with care and authenticity—no romanticizing of ugly realities, which I appreciated.

It was interesting reading this book at the end of a year marked with racial tensions in our country. Because of that, I think this book may find mixed reviews. We always want change to come quickly. But it takes a long time for long held beliefs to truly change. This book shows that happening in Cordelia, Phineas, and even Luther. Cordelia and Phineas live in the south and their families own slaves. At this time, owners were not allowed to free slaves. They felt they were doing enough by being relatively kind masters. They come to realize some of their own wrong thinking and prejudices. It's a good step.

I enjoyed Cordelia's romantic nature. She spins stories of adventure and rescue and love. When Phineas is missing, Cordelia's stories "made the impossible seem worthy of hope" (location 4053). Phin's father points out how the world needs happy stories during hard times and how they can be useful in reminding us what we're fighting for.

I would recommend this book. While it may not take things far enough for some, I think it's realistic in showing the beginnings of a heart change. In words Cordelia might use, there was a "dastardly villain" and a few beautiful souls who'd make great "knights in shining armor."

Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Once you turn the cover you will be quickly drawn in, and warning, this story just keeps getting better and better!

The time is the beginnings of the Civil War, and we are in the deep South. We are mainly with the Dunn and Owens families, and their in love offspring, Phin and Cordelia, and life that tries to tear them apart!

Warning, you are about to begin a journey that spans Continents, near death, loss and found, and you will be quickly page turning for answers, and hoping for their survival!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.

*** COMPELLING HISTORICAL, CLEARLY A LABOR OF LOVE ***
I suspect this book may be seen as controversial/difficult for some readers. It takes place during 1861 Civil War, with a heavy emphasis on slaves & slave owners. While that was a dark time in our history, it nonetheless did happen & should not be forgotten or ignored. The author shares that she literally spent years on this book, coming back to it, reworking & researching it. There are rich details & many struggles shared. I especially liked the relationship that developed between Luther, a free black man & Phin, newly signed up in the Confederate Navy (“Sarcasm doesn’t become you Luth.” “Nonsense. It & I are the dearest of friends.”) & how God used each of them to help the other with their problems & gain better understanding of the other’s race (“Father in Heaven,” he prayed softly, but loud enough that it might slice through the cloud of Phineas’s mind, “place your hand on young Phineas. Heal him, Lord, by the power of the blood of Christ Jesus, who has died so that we might live. Let this young man stand again, walk again. Go home again to the family he misses so much.”). I loved how both Phin & Delia grew in their compassion towards slaves, even to the point of helping them escape. Delia is consumed with writing fictional stories & the joy she gets in sharing them was fun to experience. There are several secondary stories adding to the book’s complexity. E.g., Salina is half black & half white. We see through her eyes the struggle that meant for her. Overall, this was a rich story that made me consider much, but still enjoy the journey of it.
I was gifted a book from the author & publisher for my honest opinions, which are all my own without compensation or further expectation.
Bethany House Publishing, Stand-alone-novel 392 Pages (c) 01-05-2020
((4.5 Stars=I Really Liked It))
#DreamsOfSavannah
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*Warnings*
#1 This is a long review, so pull up a chair and grab a bowl of popcorn. You'll be here awhile. #2 When I read a review, I want substantial information. So I will not skimp on the details. Which will mean some spoilers, so watch out. #3—additional warning reserved only for this review—I’m trying something different. Again. We’ll just see how this works. Hopefully I can contain the stream of consciousness…


First Thoughts
I’ve had a lot of experience with Civil War era fiction, and not all of it has been good. As a born and bred Southern girl who comes from a long line of Crackers (aka, poor white trash) who picked cotton and fought for the Confederacy, my opinions on the Civil War are, shall we say, skewed. Because of that, I don’t see the war as everyone else sees—and writes—it. So I’m very picky about my antebellum, Civil War, or Restoration era fiction. I don’t want to read something that stereotypes Southerners as heartless, racist jerks, or something that glosses over slaves (and Crackers) to focus on a bunch of highfalutin Southern belles. I want the grit, the emotion, and the truth behind the war—not propaganda.
Therefore, I wasn’t too sure going into Dreams of Savannah. Everyone nowadays is very much a “Yankee,” regardless of where they live, so portraying all Southerners with including cliches is very difficult. I know I enjoyed reading White’s Circle of Spies, but if it’s not Gone with the Wind or Eugenia Price, I’m not interested.
Roseanna’s last novel, A Portrait of Loyalty, hadn’t particularly been my favorite and though I really like her last two series (Shadows Over England and The Codebreakers), something in her voice has changed. Her stories haven’t been the same.
That being said, I was very wary about DOS. I’ve found that when I’m wary about reading something, the book is pretty much fantastic. This is true for Dreams of Savannah.
We open with a ball just before the boys leave for war, and at first the story is light and our main girl, Cordelia, is daydreaming about her soon-to-be beau, Phineas Dunn. This doesn’t seem to leave a lot of room for grit, darkness, and a well-formed argument for the South, if you know know what I mean. Another belle of the ball and her adventurous, rich, pampered boyfriend. But you throw in a traitor or two and an Englishman? You got yo’self a story, dat’s what.

The Plot
In her earlier works (not including her biblical fiction; they’re on a whole ‘nother level), I could easily describe Roseanna as a “plot-driven” writer. Now, I’m not so sure. I’m beginning to see how she has a vague plot or an inciting incident that she employs on the first page, then a novel that’s carried to The End by the characters. This system has worked pretty well for her in the past—like with On Wings of Devotion, where in the aftermath of Ara’s abduction, not much happens that isn’t, well, drama.
However, I’m not sure if that’s the best way to go. For her previous books, we already knew the characters—like Camden, who we met in The Number of Love. The character has already be established and, at least a little bit, fleshed out. We understand from Page 1 why Camden kidnapped Ara, simply because we knew the sort of bloke he was. Right?
Not so for Dreams of Savannah. We’ve never met Cordelia or Phin before, so when we immediately dive into him leaving for war and Delia promising to wait for him, we’re not quite certain what kind of characters we’re dealing with. The main event of the plot is carried through ‘til about the halfway point, where we begin to see the characters (both main and secondary, like Delia’s dad, Julius James, etc.) use their drama skills to keep the story going. It’s not a bad idea, but I was left wondering halfway through, who are these guys? That left the rest of the novel kind of flat, I guess.
Still, I enjoyed the storyline. Roseanna stuck with a simple method—war + shipwreck + missing person + scoundrel for a cousin = happily ever after. She managed to stay away from politics and bloody fighting without glossing things over. She stayed true to the South, the Cause, and honor without conforming to the image most people today have of Southerners and Confederates (i.e., sexist, racist white jerks)—and that made for a very interesting, enjoyable read.


The Characters
Remember what I said about not really knowing who Phin and Delia were? Well, that’s what will keep this section pretty short. Phin is describe as adventurous, but he didn’t have much “screen time,” at least as his “old self.” His new self is even harder to pinpoint. I couldn’t get a definite read on his personality. He didn’t seem quiet or reserved, but he wasn’t necessarily talkative and outgoing. He wasn’t rakish, but he was apparently quite the catch. Not really an alpha male but not a beta either. *shrugs* He wasn’t a bad character, but let’s just say he won’t be added to my “Best Hero Ever” shelf.
As for Delia, I actually liked her. She’s not my type of heroine, I guess. She had a little more personality than Phin, but I would’ve liked the simple questions answered—not the difficult ones. It was easy to figure out that she liked people, was curious, and loved to dream. She’s optimistic, but also has a lot of deep-seated fears. But what kind of sister is she? Would she rather be gathering inspiration by socializing with her friends or putting it to paper holed up in her room? Why does she get along with everyone but not her mother? On that note, I would’ve liked to have seen more of her family, Phin’s included. Lacy was a great little sister until suddenly...she’s not. Ginny’s never present in the book. Delia’s relationships with her parents are, to say the least, crazy.
This is what I was saying. We jumped right into the plot, the story, without first coming to understand the main characters and what makes them tick.
Because of this, I really liked Salina and Luther more than Delia and Phin, and I would’ve loved to have seen more of them! Their motives and personalities were pretty clear, and they were so unique (or at least Luther was) and had more interesting storylines of their own.
I would’ve liked a lot more romance. Because Phin and Delia were all but engaged by the first chapter, their first kiss wasn’t all sparks and fire. The conflict surrounding them wasn’t as...conflicting as it would’ve been had they just met or fallen in love. As for Salina, her relationship with River just *poof* happened all of a sudden. I would’ve liked to have watched them fall in love, probably more so than Phin and Delia.
Luther was fabulous, though. A story about him and Eva when they met and fell in love would be SO AWESOME! He had a lot more personality than Phin did, in my opinion, and so seeing only a few scene here and there of him was kind of disappointing.
I was beyond happy when White put in four POVs. Her earlier series usually included four—from the villain to the two love interests to the “other guy,” whether that be the villain’s accomplice or the third point in a love triangle. Even though Phin and Delia weren’t the best characters, Luther and Salina more than made up for it!

The Subject
Speaking of romance, I’m not entirely certain Roseanna was going for a romance when she wrote Dreams of Savannah. Most romance writers don’t dare go for the story where the characters have already fallen in love and everything seems on the fast track to success. The first kiss and meet cute are almost always nonexistent, and that’s pretty much what makes a romance. Because of the way White wrote this book, I’d probably be more inclined to call it just plain historical fiction than a romance.
Without a doubt, it’s more philosophical than anything. And I appreciate that. When one pays too much attention to romance or action, one misses the depth of it all. White’s always been a very thoughtful writer, and even if I may not agree with all of her opinions, I like that she’s not afraid to express them in her writing and carefully craft characters who discover those thoughts and opinions for themselves. It makes the story that much more authentic.
I was so terrified that the Civil War was going to be presented as a bunch of heartless white men fighting for slavery and a group of patriots fighting against it. However, White was very mindful of the Confederates’ and the Union’s true agendas, that the war wasn’t just about slavery—that it was a war of honor. She tackled that subject so well and portrayed Phin’s change without a hitch. Instead of embracing racial equality with unrealistically open arms, he struggled with his views and what he’d been taught, without being a jerk. Make sense? I think the transition was really good. It’s difficult to pull off a realistic transition into anything in fiction, so I more than appreciate the care White put into writing that aspect of Phin’s story.


The Prose
I’ve always loved White’s prose. Her style is unique without being overly so, if you know what I mean. I’d actually say she’s got two separate voices—the one she’s used for her Shadows Over England and Codebreakers series, and the one she’s used for everything else.
The latter has visibly grown since A Stray Drop of Blood debuted in 2009, but it has always retained its sense of balance—between emotion, action, dialogue, and narrative. The flow has always been measured and even, not quite melodic but not at all choppy. Perfect, you could say.
The first, her “new” voice, is choppy and abrupt, like a clipped London accent. Her one or two word sentences make for a sudden jar—not an unpleasant one. An emotional one. I like both styles. I’ve tried them both in my own writing, and I’ve seen where they fit certain characters and situations better than others.
But...I’m really glad she reverted back to her voice. Maybe it’s because she wrote Dreams of Savannah years ago, in 2011, or maybe it’s because she saw that her American accent (not the clipped London one) fit well for her Georgia girls and boys.
Speaking of Georgia, can I just say that I LOVE my state? I know nothing’s perfect (and Georgia certainly isn’t), but DOS release day also happens to be the date for the run-off election for senate, so...prophesy, maybe? For those of y’all who enjoyed (or think they will enjoy) Dreams of Savannah, I HIGHLY recommend reading Eugenia Price’s Savannah. You’ll suddenly understand why Delia dreams of Savannah once you read Price’s take on this historic port.


Long Story Short…
To summarize, Dreams of Savannah wasn’t a perfect book. But it was a perfect reading experience. Not only was I uncertain about White’s novels, I was also uncertain if I could get sucked into anything again. I haven’t been reading like I should (or used to, that is), and I’ve had to force myself to get through some things, so I wasn’t certain if I’d be able to breeze through Dreams of Savannah. (Was it possible that *gasp* I was coming to not love reading as much as before?) But then I got sucked in, page by page, until I was walking around with my face in this book and putting up with the sun through the trees whilst riding in the car just to finish one more chapter. You know how it is.
The highlights of DOS are definitely Luther and Salina and the way White wove everything together like a dream. It could have been better, and Delia and Phin could’ve had more personality—or just more. Maybe the book should have been longer to allow their characters more…“fleshiness.” But…(there’s always a but, you know)…it was worth it. I enjoyed it, I really did. And if you were to ask me if I’d read it all over again, I would. Would I recommend it? I would. Would I rate it five stars?
Yeah. I would.

BookWorm

Disclaimer: I received a complementary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All the opinions expressed above are my own.
Obviously.

PS: I think I actually managed to contain the stream of consciousness this time! Hooray!

Roseanna M. White is one of my go-to authors for historical fiction. She always writes lovely relatable main characters, dastardly villains, and a beautifully flowing story-line that draws you in and makes you want more. This book was no different. While her most recent novels took place in England during WWI, this one actually takes place in the Southern States during the Civil War. Seeing a Christian novel written from the perspective of slave owners was enlightening. I appreciated that in the author's note, she indicated getting critique and perspective from Christian author Toni Shiloh, who has been a strong voice in recent years for POC in Christian fiction. While I felt that the novel depicted history well, it does still speak to the reality of slavery in our nation's history, which felt a little bold. But it's a story that needs to be told.

This book follows Coredelia Owens, a member of Savannah's society and story-teller extraordinnaire. I loved seeing an "author" perspective within the book. While in that timeframe, Delia would not likely have ever been able to be published because she was a woman, I loved that she wrote and told stories for the love of the story and not for personal acclaim. I appreciated how she grew personally in her talent and sought to tell stories that were uplifting and honoring and not JUST entertaining (after all, that's one of the big reasons I read Christian fiction!). Our hero was Phineas Dunn, who went to fight in the Confederate navy where an incident had him convalescing south of the border while everyone thought he was missing and/or dead. While there were several plot lines that kept the book moving, this was more of a character driven novel as the main characters learned to see those enslaved in a different light.

In addition to strong character development, this book had a solid faith thread. Phin found himself convalescing in the home of a minister and he retained the scriptures that were read over him while he was unconscious. Delia learned to rely more heavily on God as she prayed for Phin's safety and well-being. They both grew spiritually throughout the book as well as personally. I would definitely recommend this one to fans of inspirational historical fiction.

Special thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

What a great novel! It was interesting and unique to read from the perspectives of Southerners during the Civil War as their views and beliefs become challenged during the story. I really liked the characters in the subplot in the novel as well. The history is seamlessly woven into the book, creating an interesting and intriguing setting for romance and growth. I really liked Cordelia and Phineas and loved their evolution in the novel. The spiritual truths are relatable to my own life. The plot had a few unpredictable twists and I found it hard to put the novel down! (Also, can we talk about how gorgeous that cover is?!) I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

What I loved:

Cordelia was a fun character. She was kind, compassionate, and imaginative. I loved how she turned everything into a story, and I loved the fact that she examined her biases and took the time to educate herself once she was made aware of them, and the moments when she took a stand.

She and Phin had good chemistry and completed each other well, though I feel their relationship could have used more development (more on that in a minute).

Luther was a fabulous character! LOVED him! Salina was a wonderful, strong character. I wish we could have heard even more of her voice.

My main complaint is that, while we got to know both main characters very well, their individual development was great, and they had really good chemistry when they were together...much of their relationship takes place off screen. They don't go through any of these changes together, and it's near the end of the book before they both know they're on the same page over the issue of slavery. When they were together they didn't talk about what was happening in their lives that was changing their outlook on life. I wish we had been able to see more of their relationship at the beginning of the book, and maybe some of their letters.

I think it would have also been helpful to see Phin's character and interaction with his slaves at the beginning of the book before he met Luther so we could appreciate his change a bit more.

The Civil War books I have read on the past fall into two camps: 1. The South is a villain camp 2. Humanizing the south while glossing over the issue of slavery (yeah, slavery was bad, but...*cue defense of slavery or slave owners*) camp.

As the spectrum goes, this book would fall more towards the middle. It does humanize the people of the South, but it ALSO deals with the issue of slavery. It is probably the first book I've read that includes an awakening of the slave owners to the evil of slavery. It has a clear anti-racism/anti-slavery message, while acknowledging the complexities of the day. There a challenge (albeit, subtle) to the reader to examine our own biases.

Overall, it was a very good read. This is a difficult topic to navigate, especially when writing fiction. What I think this book does well is that it does not dwell overly much on defending or villainizing the South. Instead it addresses people living in a broken system and asks them to do their part in bringing about justice.

From the beginning, I was drawn to the characters in this engaging story. I especially enjoyed the two main characters as they struggled and wrestled to establish their beliefs. The lessons of faith which included prayers and God’s Word were much appreciated. I also enjoyed the few moments of humor aptly added against the backdrop of this adventurous tale. The creativity and imagination of Delia, who wants to be a writer, is simply wonderful and demonstrates the power of words and story. Throughout the book, Roseanna White illuminates the beauty of each person’s individual life story. I found this novel to be rich in history and written with respect of the Civil War era. I highly recommend it. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Whenever I learn that Roseanna M. White has a new book coming out, it immediately goes on my must-read list. This very skilled author has an amazing talent for crafting historical fiction that makes me feel like I have stepped back in time into the era she is depicting. In Dreams of Savannah, I was transported to Savannah, Georgia, deep in America’s South, in the early part of the Civil War.
In all of White’s books, her characters are complex, multi-dimensional people with strengths and flaws, making them both believable and relatable. Her characters in Dreams of Savannah are certainly not exceptions. The story follows Cordelia (Delia) Owens, a member of the city’s high society who enjoys writing and telling stories, and her love interest, Phineas (Phin) Dunn, who goes off to fight for the Confederacy.
I enjoyed seeing the characters grow throughout the book as they came to rely more heavily on their faith in God while struggling with moral issues impacting their long-held beliefs and way of life. The book beautifully illustrates how all people, regardless of race, creed, or color, are equal in their desire for freedom and have a right to pursue their dreams.
As in all her books, White skillfully paints the setting with rich detail, in this case with vivid descriptions of the homes, trees, and gardens of the era that make you feel as if you are right there. The depth of her historical research is readily evident. The book’s pacing is also perfect, with a storyline that kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next.
I recommend Dreams of Savannah to adults who enjoys historical fiction told from a Christian perspective. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publishers but was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

A moving tale set in the south during the civil war. The backdrop of events is a painful time in our history and Roseanna M. White does a good job of showing how people rose up against this to stand up for what they believed to be right. It portrays how to love your enemy and shows us how love can conquer transgressions. Cordelia captured my attention as a storyteller. Despite the darkness surrounding her, she used stories to bring hope to those around her. She clung to her faith and her devout love for Phin and as result, touched the lives of many around her. Phin, betrayed in the worst way, had to learn about forgiveness and that maybe his way of seeing things has some room to grow. All the characters are challenged and demonstrate growth as a result. A different time period than I have to come love and expect from Roseanna M. White, but the expected faith elements are still bountiful, and you will be blessed, challenged and encouraged as a result.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own, freely given.

Dreams of Savannah is a completely different time and place than the other books I’ve read by this author, but it is a stunning story nonetheless.
Before I begin on my review, I have to say, though, one thing that captivated me about this book right from the start is it's beautiful cover! I just love it, and it goes so well with this story.
This is Delia's story. One might expect her to be a spoiled, southern belle. After all, that is rather what is expected of her, expected of any young lady from a genteel southern household and family, back in the days of the civil war, when the Confederacy was trying to take over the South.
But, Delia is not your typical heroine. In spite of her mother's desires and aspirations for her life, she wants nothing more than to be able to sit and write stories to her heart's content. Well, that and to be reunited with her love, Phin, who is off fighting in the war.
Delia, along with her maid Salina, keep having unusual dreams. Delia is convinced these are a way for her to know that Phin is still alive, even if he might not be doing well.
With Phin away, Delia's parents keep pressuring her to 'make a good match', and by this they mean they want her to forget about the promise she made to Phin and become betrothed to Julius James, a man she really can't stand.
This story is a delight, and has lots of unexpected twists and turns. I kept reading with bated breath....not daring to put the book down, and yet, hardly daring to keep reading.
In addition to Delia's main storyline, there is also the issue woven in of racism, of slavery in all its gory awfulness. Seeing these characters in the midst of all of it, the deep hurts, the feelings of superiority, and much more, well, it really did make me aware in a new way how thankful I am to not be living in those days. And yes, I am aware we deal with racism in some ways in our time period today, but it is not to the same extent as it was back then. It makes me realize more than ever how precious each and every life is in God’s eyes.
Roseanna White has written a beautiful story that brings to life the days of the Civil War as never before. Lovers of historical fiction will be especially drawn to this one.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

I LOVED this book, as I do most Roseanna M. White novels. It was an interesting read as it reflected a bit on the times we find ourselves in now, though I don’t know that that was her intent.
Cordelia is such a fun character. Her love for stories and creating them in her imagination was so much fun to read about, and a real look into an author’s mind. Phineas is a strong character as well, and the transformation that occurs in both of their hearts was really well done. The issue of slavery and seeing their slaves as they are—human beings with hopes and dreams just like they have—was a real turning point in the book. The spiritual journey they both go on was meaningful and authentic and one I enjoyed reading and learning from.
I liked that there were several points of view that this book was written from, particularly Salina’s. I thought Roseanna handled all of those dynamics well, and looking at the Author’s Note, I could tell she put a lot of thought into honoring the stories of the real people who lived during that time.
The plot was engaging and compelling, the villain a man I loved to hate, and the complex issues addressed handled well. In all, Dreams of Savannah is another great historical read from this prolific author.

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

Dreams of Savannah by Roseanna M. White is a unique look at the civil war from the eyes of slave owners and slaves themselves. I applaud the author for being brave enough to take on such a sensitive issue, especially during the times we live in.

Cordelia Owens is a typical Southern Belle with a flair for telling stories. When her sweetheart is lost at sea her stories keep him alive in her heart and in the hearts of his family. As she continues to weave her tales, however, she becomes aware of other stories that need to be told and she secretly begins to meet with the slaves her father owns, to write an accurate account of all they have endured. The more she listens the more she questions her life and she turns to God for direction.

While Cordelia is listening to stories and writing them, Phineas Dunn, her intended, washes up (barely alive) on a beach in Cuba. He is saved by a free English black man, Luther, a minister who is searching for his wife who was kidnapped and illegally sold as a slave. He agrees to help Phineas get home if Phineas will help him find his wife. But first, Phineas needs to stay alive for that to happen.

At the same time, Cordelia's eyes are opened to how she has viewed and treated the slaves in her home, Phineas' eyes are also opened as Luther tends for him and prays for him. More importantly, Phin begins to seek a relationship with God and with His help, he attempts to make it back home to Cordelia.

This story has lots of layers. There is the question of how Southern Christians could justify owning slaves. And how many who owned slaves were forbidden by law to set them free. There is the perspective of the slave owners and the perspective of the slaves as well. There is also the spiritual aspect of how Southern Christians justified themselves before God. Amid all these heavy topics there is a romance in danger of being lost forever because Cordelia's father wants her to marry someone she absolutely despises. There is also a hunt for a free woman sold into slavery. So many stories inside this story!

The journey Phin and Cordelia take in uncovering their own prejudices and their journey back to God and to each other are well worth reading. I highly recommend this book!

I received a copy of this book courtesy of Bethany House Publishers through NetGalley.

White's works are like the finest tapestry's, the words are woven together so seamlessly.
It takes a talented author that can write about more than one time period so effortlessly.
I will admit I was drawn to the cover of this because yes, I do judge a book by it's cover.
The book covers just get better and better all the time.
The book has chaos and turmoil ,hope,failures but perseverance. A strong faith message that I did enjoy reading. It was heartwarming to see Phin go from being a man of privilege who thought he was entitled to being down to earth and humbled after spending time with Luther.
The romance was sweet and gentle and OH MY.......
I thought all was lost in that romance but at the very end........ Let's just say get your tissues ready you're going to need them.
I really appreciate all the research the author put into this it always makes for an entertaining read.

Published January 5th 2021 by Bethany House Publishers
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

I LOVED this book. So many reasons I can’t list them all, but I will list some.

First, I love Roseanna’s books in general but I have to say I don’t think I have read one I enjoyed this much in quite awhile.

Second, it was set during the Civil War and I am Gone with the Wind fan and the first chapter has that kind of flare to it, I was smitten from the first page.

Phin and Delia’s journey is wonderful. Their eyes are gradually opened in different ways, at different time, to the complete atrocity that slavery is. Their love is so strong, they never (or hardly ever) wavered from them steadfastness.

There is even a moment that I had to blink back tears at the beauty that unfolded on the page.

I can not wait to read what will come next in this series and who will be the main character? I have no doubt it will be just as good.


A copy of this book was given to me through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Dreams of Savannah is a captivating story set in Savannah during the Civil War. Delia is a delightful character - a charming heroine and gifted storyteller. She is a little naive at the beginning of the story, but is forced to confront some painful truths when a shameful family secret comes to light. Phin, her sweetheart, is a member of the Confederate Navy and finds himself questioning his long-held beliefs when he is forced to rely on an unlikely hero. He and Delia are both transformed during the course the book and make some difficult decisions about the kind of people they want to be.

This story has it all - from rich historical detail, to a compelling hero and heroine, to a devious villain, to the powerful themes of faith and redemption. I found myself drawn in from the beginning and hard a hard time putting it down. Highly recommended for fans of historical fiction!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I wasn't sure at first if I would like Dreams of Savannah as much as previous books by Roseanna White but turns out this is just as great as her other works!

Once I really got into the story of Cordelia and Phineas, I was totally hooked and had to find out what happened to them and their friends. I loved the whole cast of characters...well, except for Cousin Julius! The added storyline of Luther/Monty was wonderful as was Salina's. While there was adventure and romance, this is a book to make you think. It makes you look back on our past as well as think on our future and how we should be.

Kudos to Roseanna White for another great story! It was a great way to spend a rainy day. I'll read a book by her any day!

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Dreams of Savannah by Roseanna M. White is a wonderful story. Cordelia Owens is a story weaver and when the man she loves goes missing in action, she helps his family by keeping them hopeful of his return with the imaginative stories she tells. But her family wants to see her settled and is pushing her to marry a man she doesn't like to increase their lands. Will they force her to marry? Meanwhile, the love of her life, Phineas Dunn, who was injured is trying to find his way back to Savannah to Delia and his family.

Great secondary characters who enrich the story and interesting history surrounding the Revolutionary War, slavery and life in Savannah.

Ms. White is also a weaver of stories and this one is a great read. I enjoy all of her books. They are full of adventure, suspense and romance. I look forward to her next one.

I received this book from the author and Bethany House Publishers and all opinions are my own.

I have read four of Roseanna M White's books set in England during World War I, and loved each one. Dreams of Savannah is set early in the Civil War era; while much different than the author's previous books I had read, it was equally wonderful. Cordelia Owens' and Phineas Dunn's growing faith, and the opening of their eyes and hearts to those previously unseen will warm the hearts of readers as well as inspire them to self-reflect. Cordelia's vivid and active imagination along with her love of words and stories will resonate with book lovers. While I do not know if this is the first book of a series, I certainly hope that it is.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Dreams of Savannah from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

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.

Dreams of Savannah was a story that to me shouted hope. Cordelia Owens and Phineas Dunn are two people who love much and fight for that love. Especially in a world where their country is being torn apart by the Civil War.

Both have lived with the shadow of slavery in their lives and I do think since they were raised in the South, that they both were a little naïve about it. But we get to watch their characters rise above their circumstances and even open their hearts up to change. Especially with those they already have in their lives and those they meet on their journey.

Their are many cherished characters that come alive in this story and their stories are just as memorable. Many twists and turns, times of peril, and important social changes. From the way men treated women, the slavery dilemma, to the brotherhood or not of soldiers, and familial obligations. Above all this neither gave up. Even when all hope seemed lost, and others had walked away- Cordelia did not nor would not believe that she and Phineas would not be united. And after what Phin went through, I am just glad that the one who found him was able to show him the Way and a better way.

This story was rich in historical detail, especially concerning the the South's naval battles which I had not read about before. I also think it showed a clear picture of what living in Georgia at that time was like especially in the attitudes of society.

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

Dreams of Savannah is a stand alone historical romance by Roseanna M. White. Set in Savannah, Georgia toward the beginning of the Civil War, it primarily follows Cordelia Owens and Phineas Dunn as war and family expectations keep them apart.

Cordelia is an idealistic storyteller. But when the man she wants to marry is lost at sea, her dreams begin to shatter. Cordelia’s maid/slave, Salina, is her biggest support, especially when Cordelia’s family wants her to marry another. But Salina harbors her own secret pain and a future dependent on who Cordelia marries.

Phineas washes up in Cuba and is taken in by a black man from England. Luther is on a mission of his own, but cannot leave Phineas to die. Even as Phineas fights to return home, his experiences change him into a different man than the one who left Cordelia with promises of a future together.

There’s so much to say about this story, it’s difficult to put to words. First off, I found Dreams of Savannah a great story. I loved Cordelia’s whimsical nature and my favorite scenes showed the relationship between Phineas and Luther. But the nature of the story means it is not the easiest book to read. It does not shy away from hard questions nor the horrible realities of Confederate Georgia in the early 1860s. Because of that, I would add a caution and trigger warning.

I have long believed in the power of story and believe it is an important aspect of communicating across cultural barriers. Dreams of Savannah is an excellent example of that in so many ways. As we begin to see others’ stories, we begin to see them as fellow humans and can then give them the dignity they deserve.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.

What's better in a book than a character that loves and creates stories? This book is so unique. I've never read a story that used the creation of a story in it's plot in this way...and I really enjoyed it! I really liked the Civil War time period and reading about it from the perspective of people that live in the South was interesting. I also enjoyed that the characters are flawed people, who've made mistakes, but want to do better. Cordelia, the story creating southern belle, has a best friend who is also her servant. When her eyes are opened and she begins to see that each of these people who take care of her household have a story of their own, she thinks thoughts she never thought she'd think. When Delia's sweetheart, Phin, who is in the Confederate Army, gets injured by a friend gone rogue, she fears the worst, but hopes for the best. Their love story is so incredibly sweet. I loved how they each went on a journey separately, at the same time. Phin's was not only physical, but mental and emotional. Their stories tie together so very well. This book deals with a topic that is incredibly difficult to read and imagine, but Ms. White does a fantastic job of being real and delicate at the same time!

I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Phineas did a lot growing in this book. Growing from a naive young man who was the product of the society he lived in—and probably one of the better products of it. He wasn’t harsh to his slaves. Yet he did see them as a different class than himself … until the blinders were removed. Slowly. But effectively.

Cordelia (Delia) was a fun character and she too did a lot of growing in the novel. But she almost lived in another world—constantly imagining stories about the people around her. Her stories encouraged and brought joy to others. And she had spunk, which is one of my favorite qualities in a character.

I won’t get into ‘Luther’ due to spoilers. But he was my favorite character.

Roseanna brought to life the stories of the slaves well. The heartbreaking reality of their lives and what they lost. What they loved. And what they craved. Most of all: freedom.

I don’t think I’d recommend younger readers for this novel. There’s quite a bit of difficult themes that make it more of an adult read. Even though I found the novel to be done in great taste, there’s some heavy topics. Topics you can’t shy away from when you’re writing about the civil war. I thought Roseanna did it well.

And the faith thread was spot on. One of the neatest things about it was the way Phineas’ POV changed from the beginning of the book, to the middle, and then of course the end. It was humorous, as well, as he shocked himself with his new and improved thought life.

Of course, everyone wants to know about the love story, right? It was sweet, it was forbidden, it was patient. It had no choice but to be patient—war and all.

Although I quite enjoyed this novel, I hope she’s not done with England anytime soon.

The man Cordelia Owens has set her heart on goes off to serve in the Confederate navy. Her creative storytelling helps keep up her spirits as well as those of her loved ones as she longs for the day when Phineas Dunn will return and they can marry. But it seems too many obstacles arise to prevent that dream from coming true. And their future together isn’t the only thing at stake. Their beliefs and way of live are also challenged as war rages and its effects bring changes and danger to their door. This tale is one to experience and mull over as well as enjoy the great storytelling and all the plot twists and surprises. It took me a little while to connect with these vulnerable, true-to-life characters and their experiences, but they drew me in and made me care deeply. Plus, it made me think about the tragic history in our nation and how slavery and people’s attitudes toward one another still cause problems today. This would make a good book to discuss in school or a book club. I received a copy from the publisher through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Dreams of Savannah was so different than I thought it would be. I loved the journey that White took me on, and had a hard time putting the book down. White created a picture of another place and time, and I enjoyed every moment of it. The characters were intricate and unique, and I found myself enchanted by them. This story was so much more than just romance. It has just the right amount of suspense, mystery, and action mixed in. I loved seeing Cordelia’s passion for people, no matter their color of skin or station. Her love for Phineas was true and stood the test of time. I loved the way the Bible was mentioned through out the story, but I won’t give anything away. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Romance. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers and was in no way forced to post a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Set in Savannah during the Civil War and populated with colorful, realistic, and engaging characters, Roseanna M. White’s latest novel grabbed my interest from the first page and wouldn’t let go. I liked Delia’s spunk, her penchant for storytelling, her slightly unconventional ways for her time, and her disregard for wealth and status. Phineas was an appealing hero with his honesty, his regard for others no matter what their status was, and his courage. The stellar cast of secondary characters showcases White’s talent for creating riveting and intriguing people for her books. I thought the title Dreams of Savannah is interesting as it can be taken more than one way.

With a perfect blend of action, suspense, romance, adventure, and inspiration, this story will appeal to those who enjoy reading fascinating historical romance. I enjoyed the historical detail, and the inspirational messages of courage, hope, and the brotherhood of man. 4.5 stars

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House. All opinions are my own.

I’ve always been a fan of Roseanna M. White’s books, especially her series set in England, so this was a change, being a standalone story, set in the Civil War between the States Era, in Savannah, Georgia. I’m used to reading books from this era from the Unionists -Yankee- view, so I was eager to learn more about the southern point of view and to find out if it could be as good as her previous books with so different setting, and characters, and it truly was! I was totally immersed in this novel and the deep growing of characters and absolutely loved it!
Cordelia (Delia) Owens is a beautiful blonde southern belle, who you could say she has everything, and is spoiled by her Daddy. Thank God, she has a huge heart, and her friendship with Salina, her “slave” companion, is of a big help to her. First, I thought she was a Scarlet O’Hara type of character, but as the story progressed I was proven wrong. She has fallen in love with Phinneas (Phin) Dunn, a handsome gentleman that has stolen her heart for some time. The story begins when he says goodbye to Delia before joining the Confederate Army, and asks her to wait for him, which Delia sweetly accepts.
But things will not be easy for neither as they navigate the war efforts and its consequences. The theme of racism during this place and era is so well described and it helped me so much understand better the southern part, their errors, as well as the good people that didn’t share the view of treating black slaves like a merchandise without dignity or soul. Delia came to me as a wonderful heroine: she was not superficial, and even with her overprotective background, she has her own mind and determination to do what is right for the people that were being abused. Her writing of slave stories was a generous and courageous thing to do in the circle she moved in, but she did it in an honest and compassionate way. The way she and Phin interact with the slaves was inspiring, with love and compassion, as one treats a friend. They both have some growing to do in the story. Delia wakes up from her constant dreams, which made her optimistic and magnanimous, to face a harsh reality. But this makes her act, instead of hiding under her protective family. Phin faces the consequences of war: injuries, trauma, nightmares, but he also has a progressive and struggling conversion to understand what was wrong with the Confederacy’s principles, but made it all the more inspiring. The faith elements were beautiful and never came out as preachy to me. The story has a beautiful message about love, kindness, freedom, forgiveness and bravery to upstand to what’s wrong.
The romance was truly sweet and genuine, not the typical easy going relationship. I loved this two characters, they were really made for each other. And the ending was so good and touching!
A beautiful soul searching and deep historical romance that you won’t easily forget! Highly recommended!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Publisher via NetGalley but wasn’t required to post a positive review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

Dreams of Savannah by Roseanna M. White is a stand-alone story centered around the city of Savannah, Georgia during the early days of the Civil War. Cordelia Owens loves to create stories to entertain her friends and family. When her sweetheart, Phineas Dunn goes missing during a raid on a Yankee ship, she weaves stories of his heroism to help his mother and sister cope. Can Delia and Phin’s love overcome all that the war stands for and bring them a happily ever after? Stories from this time period are always hard for me to read. But I loved Delia. Her ability to turn everything into an adventure was very amusing. And Phin’s change of outlook was certainly commendable. The romance throughout the story was very sweet but predictable; although I felt that after Phin’s return, he and Delia never really got to know each other again. The political issues that were part of the time period were handled in a truthful way that didn’t detract from the story itself. I felt that the ending was a bit abrupt and rushed though.


I received this book from the author for my honest review.

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.

Dreams of Savannah, by Roseanna M. White, is a beautifully written historical novel! Emotionally stirring, wonderfully descriptive, genuinely intriguing, and thoroughly engaging, this book is utterly enjoyable. With a thoughtful blend of history, romance, and suspense, this story is meaningful and remarkably moving.

From the historic setting, to the compelling characters, to the riveting plot, Ms. White once again delivers a story that is immensely satisfying! Set primarily in Savannah, Georgia during the first years of the American Civil War, the story captivates with its diverse cast of characters. Living under the shadow and uncertainty of war, the characters attempt to carry on with their lives while grappling with loss, unexpected revelations, and surprising realizations. And in so doing, they must face their fears, address their insecurities, pursue redemption, renew their hope, and nurture their faith even as their dreams and futures are threatened.

Dreams of Savannah is certainly a special book! Very well-researched, contemplative, and exceptionally well-written, it is a novel that inspires even as it entertains. Page after page, this novel is thought-provoking, memorable, and worthy. It is definitely a novel I can eagerly recommend.

*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher and NetGalley. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.

Dreams of Savannah was a story that I absolutely loved. I've been a fan of Roseanne M. White's novels ever since the Culper Ring series and it seems like every new story is another favorite...but this one takes the cake. It was just SO amazing!

The characters were fantastic. Cordelia was probably my favorite - as her love of stories was endearing and I also loved her strength. Phineas was a wonderful hero and the romance between him and Cordelia was the best.

All in all, Dreams of Savannah is going on my "favorites" shelf and I highly recommend it. Well worth the read and I can see myself rereading it very soon. :)

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Dreams of Savannah provides a thought provoking look at the differing perspectives of the South during the Civil War period, sweeping romance, and the return adventure of a lost sailor who finds a new outlook when he is given another chance at life. Roseanna M. White perfectly balances three engaging storylines that merge beautifully into a sweeping saga that continues with satisfying suspense until the very last pages. I enjoyed savoring every page!

This book touched my heart. There are very few authors that I trust to write a historically accurate Civil War novel, but I’ve read many of Roseanna White’s books and felt like she could accomplish this. I was not disappointed. I think this book accurately portrays the difficulties surrounding this war. It’s also a beautifully written romance of two people who love each other; find themselves separated because of the war; and separately come to realize that some of the ideas with which they’ve been raised need to be challenged and reevaluated.

Cordelia Owens (Delia) is a delightfully compassionate, bubbly, and imaginative young woman who has a talent for creating stories and has a desire to hopefully write a book and share them with the world. She is also in love with a fine young man, Phineas Dunn, and is waiting for him to come back from the war. However, a tragic circumstance delays his return, and Delia finds her sheltered world being changed by the war. I also greatly admired Luther, an English freeman and pastor, who becomes friends with Phineas. As they search for Luther’s wife in Savannah, both Phineas and Delia confront some of the different attitudes and opinions that prevail in Savannah. As the war draws closer and closer to Savannah, they must make some serious decisions about their future together. There’s intrigue, mystery, romance, and some suspense in this storyline that keep me reading every spare moment I could find.

I’ll be thinking for some time about this beautiful story and the message of faith, hope, and love that permeates the book.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

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.

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.

All of the characters had great arcs. Luther especially, I really liked his character. The growth of Phinn and Delia as compassionate people who feel slavery is wrong, was great, and believable given the circumstances they went through.
The relationships in this were complicated, from Salina and her father, to Luther and Phinn.

I chose to read/review this book because I'm a native Georgian and absolutely love the city of Savannah. The novel felt kind of Gone with the Wind-esque, with Cordelia being a bit dramatic like Scarlet O'hara. Just like Scarlet, Delia has to grow up as the horrors of the Civil War become a reality. While I appreciated Delia's character growth and was moved by some moments she had with other characters, I struggled with connecting with her. She seemed so out of touch with reality and lost in her fictional world, that I had trouble rooting for her. With the hero, Phin, I liked that he was grounded and strong. He faced a life-threatening injury and experienced a physical and spiritual transformation through it. This book also addresses the evils of slavery in several ways. It could just be the climate of our nation right now, but these aspects were particularly hard to read. I know this was the reality in Georgia in the 1800s, but there is part of this prejudice and evil that rings true today. I didn't particularly enjoy it in a pleasure/escape read. Overall, this wasn't the book I was expecting to read, but that was my fault. I should've read the summary better. I would still characterize Roseanna M. White's writing as stellar, as she knows how to evoke emotion in the reader. There was a build up of tension, which I appreciated. Readers of Civil War historical fiction would probably enjoy this book, but it has a different tone than her previous Code Breakers series.

*I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in order to share my honest opinion, which I did.*

I’ve read books by this author before and enjoyed them, so I knew I would probably like this one, and what a lovely read!

Everything is beautifully described and it’s easy to picture what the people and places look like. One of the things I really enjoyed in this book was how Cordelia would start imagining how people might look if they were a fictional character in one of her stories. I found it very amusing how detailed she got sometimes, often losing track of what was going on around her, much to the chagrin of her mother!

And I also want to throw out how much I appreciated Cordelia honoring her parents as she should. Even when they were wrong, she still obeyed them and honored their authority over her, which I found refreshing as most heroines these days are depicted as rebellious and do whatever they feel is right, especially if others are wrong.

This book’s spiritual standpoint is spot on for me. It was filled with scriptures and prayers that melded seamlessly into the storyline, not forced, overly flowery, or unnatural. They didn’t drag on or feel out of place—it was a beautiful addition to this story, especially seeing the spiritual growth of the characters in the process.

I think my favorite aspect about this book is how it tells more of the full story of the Civil War, that it wasn’t just about, or even started because of, slavery. This book clearly describes the terribleness of slavery, as it should, but also tells the viewpoint of southerners who were fighting for rights that had nothing to do with slavery. I also learned quite a few things that I did not previously know, something I LOVE in a historical fiction novel!

As far as content, I would consider this a clean book (but not squeaky). There is some kissing and some things discussed, but not in detail: Sailors discussing free-time on land and “enjoying and evening” with the local women where they make port, but it’s never known if they mean “intimately” or just being in their company—Phin is shown to be of good, gentlemanly character here and refuses to participate or even discuss it. There is talk of “Masters” having relations with some of their female slaves. (which is a huge part of one of the character’s storylines) and talk of slaves “breeding”. One slave character is almost raped, but is able to get away before anything terrible happens, though she is violently grabbed and pushed around before she gets away.

There is no foul language used, but a character does say, “Where the devil” and Cordelia’s mother uses a “choice phrase” about the Yankees (because of the lack of store goods) that we later find out was the d-word (though it is never used fully) Cordelia later says “Blasted Yankees.” in her head, nearly says the d-word version, then goes on to mention that she can’t even think the word.

All in all, I really enjoyed this book and had a hard time putting it down! I loved how the author stayed true to the time period while painting a vivid picture, but not too vivid, of the atrocities that occurred. If you love clean reads, Historical Fiction, and this time period in particular, you will enjoy this book!

* I received an advanced copy of this book from the publishers, through Netgalley, in return for an honest review. I was not obligated to leave a positive review. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.

Dreams of Savannah is another good read by Roseanna M. White. I enjoyed this story of faith, hope and love. I loved Cordelia right from the start. The historical details of her story made me feel as though I was living with her. She was a brave and courageous woman. I was not sure what to think of Phineas at first but he quickly grew on me. After reading about the first 50 pages, I was completely hooked and could not put it down until I read the last page.

Dreams of Savannah is getting four and a half stars from me. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading full of faith and clean historical fiction. I look forward to more like this one from Roseanna M. White in the future.

I received Dreams of Savannah from the publisher, but was not required to write a review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

When Phin goes off to war, he does so hoping to come back a hero so he can marry the woman of his dreams. But war is nothing like he imagined it to be or how it is portrayed in stories and it's the dreams of Delia and home that keep him going.

When he's injured shortly after he joins up, it is the dreams that keep him alive. Meanwhile, his sweetheart remains in Savannah dreaming of him and spinning great tales about his adventures at sea.

But Savannah is changing. As the Union soldiers draw closer, both Phin and Delia have to decide what they believe in this conflict between the states...and what will happen to them if they are caught pulling for the wrong side.

This is the first book I've read by Roseanna White and I love her writing. She did a great job portraying the views of the slave owners and those who wanted the abolition of slavery. As in every conflict, there are varying shades of grey-things aren't as stark as they may first appear.

There was a lot of conflict in this book that forced me to think about how appearances can skew our perspective. We look at people and we see the color of their skin, we judge them to be beautiful or not, we make judgements about their social status. We think if those things are pleasing to the eye, then they are trustworthy and good.

Both Delia and Phin had to re-evaluate how they judged people. They had to learn to see people a little more like how God sees them instead of judging them based on what society said about them.

I loved the romance between those two characters. Delia wanted a romantic hero and though Phin didn't think he fit the bill, that's exactly what he was. He understood her heart and because he did, he encouraged her to be the best version of herself she could be. She encouraged him to be a better man and that's always a good thing.

I received an advanced reader's copy from the publishers through NetGalley; a positive review was not required.

Roseanna White is known for writing excellent historical fiction and Dreams of Savannah is no exception! A Georgia plantation is the setting for this book that covers the early years of the Civil War and I won't soon forget the fascinating characters and their moving story. Cordelia Owens dreams of a life that she and Phineas Dunn can share once he returns from the war. She is both a romantic and optimist and I love that, even though she has always lived with slaves, she truly believes that no one should be judged by their skin color. A startling revelation changes her life, deepens her convictions, and increases her desire to change the world through the stories that she loves to write. I so admire the hope and strength that sustains her as she waits for Phin but his return isn't what she thought it would be. He has changed physically and emotionally, and he questions the cause that he has been fighting for. Has this war forever crushed Delia's dreams?

There are many other wonderful characters in this story and White vividly relates the heartaches and struggles of Salina, River, Luther, and Eva. She says that this standalone novel won't turn into a series but I would love to know how their lives change over the years!

To say that I loved this book is an understatement! It has sweet romance, an inspiring faith message, and a poignant reminder that the issue of racism that plagued our nation in 1861 is just as relevant today. Oppression still exists and we must continue to fight it in any form!

I highly recommend Dreams of Savannah to all who enjoy Christian romance and historical fiction.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. I was under no obligation to write a favorable review and I am voluntarily sharing my own thoughts.

Whenever I hear of Savannah in connection with the Civil War, I think of Sherman’s March to the Sea of 1864. The Union General arrived in Savannah shortly before Christmas and made the city a gift for President Lincoln. So, when I heard of a novel about Savannah and the war, I presumed Sherman’s March would be the focus of it. I didn’t realize that the Confederacy had given up on the coastal city as early as 1862 and that was the time frame in which Dreams of Savannah would be set.

I’ve read several of Roseanna M. White’s previous books. They were all set in England and were connected to each other through the settings and characters. Dreams of Savannah is a one-off with no familiar faces for White’s long-time readers to appreciate, and, honestly, I really didn’t like Cordelia and Phin at first. They felt fake and insipid, with no real depth to them. I couldn’t find it in myself to care about them, or the story. It took until chapter six for the narrative to grab me, and that’s thanks to the introduction of Luther. I don’t want to describe him here, because he’s a major game changer, but I’d love to read a novel with him as the main character. What was his back story? How did he come to be the man readers get to know here?

Since this is a book about the south during the Civil War, there is naturally plenty of discourse regarding slavery. Delia’s “dearest friend” is a house slave assigned to her as a maid. She tends to take her for granted, believing the woman will always be with her. It’s only when secrets come to light that Delia starts seeing the slaves as human beings, and she starts gathering their stories. Phin’s opinion starts changing once he meets Luther and is drawn into his new friend’s situation. White doesn’t only look at how her main characters interact with those of a different skin color; she shares the historical reality of slavery in Georgia and how difficult it was to change the system. According to Dreams of Savannah, state laws made it almost impossible for benevolent owners to free slaves. I couldn’t immediately find information to back this up, but I knew from previous research on the issues that free men and women were often not allowed to stay in southern states or were permitted to enter states such as Georgia. This is something that features in Luther’s narrative. Many slaves made the hard decision to run towards Union encampments when they captured southern land, often leaving behind loved ones, and this is another aspect of slavery on which White focuses.

Delia’s stories didn’t appeal to me. I appreciated her imaginative writing, but her sharing what some might call “flights of whimsy” struck me as childish and maybe misleading. After all, if Phin hadn’t come home might she have been accused of giving his family false hope? She also spent a lot of time daydreaming about her handsome prince, when my experience has taught me to appreciate reality. Again, what if Phin hadn’t returned? Phin, on the other hand, learned fast to be grounded in what was real, even if it did feel overwhelming at times.

Overall, before the end I thought that this was an okay book but not one that excited me. And then I got to the end and discovered something had happened on a subconscious level. I didn’t think this book would emotionally grab me as much as it did, and I got a lump in my throat. The ending is a moment of hope and reassurance, something that IS needed during dark times. Fort Pulaski falls in the final chapter, but I got the feeling that, despite everything, Delia and Phin would be alright. And that’s why I give this book a top rating.

Disclaimer: Although I received a copy of this book from the publisher, the opinions above are my own.

Cordelia Owens is beautiful inside and out. She has a unique way of telling stories. When her love, Phiness Dunn goes of to war, she wonders if anything will ever be the same again. This book is full of many different stories. It is well written and well put together. I enjoyed many of the friendships and relationships woven throughout this book. Some characters I loved and some not so much, but together they make a great story. I look forward to reading more from this author. I was given a copy of this book for my honest opinion.

Roseanna M. White is a name that I have come to associate with GOOD historical fiction. By this, I mean I know that not only will the stories be enjoyable, but they will be well researched and feel true to the time in which they were written. They will do a good job of making me understand the time and the people of that time, even if it's not a subject I'm particularly knowledgeable about. Dreams of Savannah- while taking place in a very different time and place from her other books I have read- is no different in that regards. It truly brought you back to the Civil War South--- the good, the bad and the ugly. Which is to say that it doesn't shy away from the fact that slavery existed in this time and place... in fact, our leading lady herself was a slave owner. While that is not a comfortable topic in current times, that does not change the reality of how things actually were in this time and place. Still, it may make it less enjoyable for some readers, I'm sure.

While well-written and researched, I must admit that I do prefer the other books I have read by the author more. I will say though, that in general my favorite historical fiction stories tend to take place during or around WWII, with the early 1900s being a close second. That's definitely more in line with her other series like The Codebreakers. Civil War and earlier stories while enjoyable, certainly just don't appeal to me quite as much. I think those readers who DO prefer this time period, will absolutely love this one.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

This story courageously confronts the horrors of slavery head-on giving readers a glimpse into the past where people were treated horribly just because of the color of their skin. The reader gets to tag-along as both Phin and Delia's eyes are opened to what they have been taught about the slaves their families own. Many times change doesn't happen overnight, and it is a long steady process of choosing to think about the things we've just obeyed without thought because they have "always been this way." I thought Roseanna did a great job building a story with not only adventure and heroism, but also truth, awakening and change. I would definitely recommend this book.
***I received a copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

What a beautiful story! I'm always amazed how well Roseanna M White can switch between different historical eras and still retain such well researched detail. I found this book quite different in storyline from her others but it was delightfully refreshing. I loved watching the characters mature and learn without losing the aspects that make them so dear. Also love the beautiful cover!

Dreams of Savannah by Roseanna M. White

Savannah, Georgia May 1861
Cordelia (Delia) Owens gives hope in the stories she loves to weave from most anything and shares them with her family and friends. When she learns that the man she loves is missing and may even be dead, she weaves a hope-filled, romantic and heroic story to reassure herself and his family. During the uncertain times, she comes to realize that everyone has a story to tell and begins searching out those stories which ultimately change her as she writes them. Often times these stories tell of heartbreak and injustice, love and family, redemption, sacrifice and faith.

Phineas Dunn leaves his family and the woman he loves behind when he goes off to war. He soon faces a dangerous, life-threatening situation far from home. Injured and barely alive, Phineas finds himself in a situation that awakens his dormant faith and opens his eyes to-and ultimately his position-of slavery that will forever change his life. The man who found and cares for Phineas is certainly a surprise to him in more ways than he would have imagined. I love that Luther Bromley, an English free black preacher in search of his kidnapped wife, Eva, nurses Phin back to health, to faith and the impact he has on his life.

Roseanna White has woven a fascinating story that portrays the difficulties of the Civil War and the impact war has on families, communities and lifestyles. The characters face many challenges, war and all it entails, grief, heartbreak and injustice; as well as love and family, redemption, sacrifice and faith. I enjoyed the secondary characters, especially Pastor Luther, and their stories. I also enjoyed the spiritual elements and scripture references woven within the story-line.

~I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher (no monetary gain were exchanged), this is my honest review~

I have read other books by the author so was interested to read one taking place in a location and era so different from her previous ones. Although those differed, the excellent writing and great story did not! From the beginning I was completely engrossed with the tale and had a hard time putting it down. I so enjoyed reading this book!
Dreams of Savannah is the story of a young Southern Belle at the beginning of the Civil War and how her eyes open to what slavery really means. The author took pains to not only show the bad slave owners but also the good ones, but yet how even the good ones were not good enough, as freedom is a priceless commodity. She also wove in details about life in pre-civil war Savannah as well as a sweet romance. I found myself cheering on the good guys and hoping the bad guy would get what he deserved. I highly recommend this book and hope my book club reads it soon. I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I am freely writing a review - all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I love Roseanna M. White's intricate story telling and great depth of character development in her stories, and this is no different. I wasn't sure quite what to expect with this story since it's such a contrast to the setting and time period of her other stories, but once again the author transports the reader to the setting of the story, this time the south in the Civil War era, and completely immerses the reader into the story. I really enjoyed the creativity of this story as well as the opportunity to learn about naval warfare during the Civil War (which I didn't even know existed until I read this book!). I cared about Cordelia and Phineas from chapter one and felt invested in their romance from start to finish. I enjoyed the variety and uniqueness of the third perspective of the narrative and enjoyed seeing the world from her view since it was such a contrast from the worldview of the main romantic duo. I'll admit that this setting and this story felt a bit slow for me at times, the pacing dragged a bit (or perhaps the content felt a bit sadder, a bit heavier for me personally?) so for whatever reason it took me longer to read through this story than it has for other books of hers. Still, I loved her storytelling, the romance, the great growth and character development that the MCs go through during the story and enjoyed seeing how the story unfolded.

This is a wonderful historical romance!

I love the main characters. They are very well developed. The author did a great job of including what it was like for the slaves as well as the children of the slave owners at the start of the Civil War.

I enjoyed seeing how Delia and Phin both matured and grew as the story progressed. It was interesting to see who influenced each of their lives.

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

Let me start by saying that Dreams of Savannah is not a light read, and I am totally okay with that. White tackles some areas of history in this story that really make a reader stop and ponder things for a moment. What's truly right versus what your surroundings say is right. Treatment of others based on their skin color or societal class. Even a father who still treats a daughter differently just because she looks different (sorry don't want to give away too much on that). Some of it was hard to read, but I think necessary. I like it when authors stay true to history, and that's exactly what White did here.

Delia and Finn are not your average main characters. Delia has such an imagination, but really I think at the end of the day, her heart is in the right place with her story telling. She finds some shocking news later on in the book as well, and I was curious how her character was going to handle it, and let me say that White wrote it perfectly. She was naive in so many ways, and this information really kind of forced her to grow up a smidge, and I thought it did a lot for her character.

Then we have Finn. Oh poor Finn. Betrayed by someone he trusted, and then forced into a role reversal situation if you will. I have to say I think my favorite part of the story was watching Finn and Luther's friendship evolve. It surprised me in so many ways, and cut straight to my heart. I think this book is exactly what readers need right now. There is so much we can learn from it.

White pens a beautiful novel about love, friendship, sacrifice, and how people can come together no matter their race or class. This is a story I could see myself reading over and over and over again. I'm so glad it was my first read of 2021. It's already on my favorites list! Highly recommend this historical novel.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The topic of the Civil War (especially coming from a Southern perspective) is one that is, for lack of a better term, loaded at the moment. I truly appreciate that Roseanna White doesn't romanticize the era or what was happening and that this novel portrays the dilemmas that faced many of those living in the South at the time of the Civil War who were slave owners but who also had differing views/opinions that many of their friends at the time. There were people who were quietly fighting for rights of their slaves, who treated them well, etc... and in that, Roseanna White does a wonderful job sharing that perspective. Her writing is thought provoking and she shows the heart change of one of the main characters extremely well.

Essentially, this is a very difficult topic to write about and it isn't a book that you fly through in one sitting because of the complexity of the issues involved (i.e. not a poolside read). Roseanna White's books do tend to go much deeper than other typical Christian fiction novels which I appreciate. Her characters are extremely well written and show continual growth with each other and in their maturity relating to life and their current situations. The secondary characters in this book were WONDERFUL (Luther and Salina).

Roseanna White is one of my favorite authors - truly. Her books are some of the few that remain on my bookshelves over the years, so I'm a bit mixed in how to write this review because it's honestly the first four star review I've given to one of her books, but that isn't due to the writing as much as how Dreams of Savannah just felt more "disconnected" for me somehow. That's not necessarily her fault by any means. This book did take me longer to get into and through, but again, that could tie into the timing of the book's release and what is happening in our country at the moment.

A solid 4 stars.

Note: I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

It's like Roseanna M White can write in any time period <3 Honest and well researched, I didn't expect this book to challenge me as much as it did. The stories linger with you after the last page.

Though Dreams of Savannah wasn’t the kind of book I generally read, I did enjoy my escape into its world recently. It’s a beautiful romance, and when you combine that with the beautiful historical flavor and the wonderful storytelling, it’s a gripping book. One thing I especially enjoyed was the main character’s love of stories. Watching her use that to help herself and others through a difficult time really impressed me, and I love how she chose to use it to help others, too. The whole part about how to walk through making old wrongs right was also interesting. In all, I loved this glimpse into an already somewhat familiar setting, and I’m looking forward to more by this author.

I requested a free review copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.

Dreams of Savannah is yet another example of Roseanna M. White's skill in creating a riveting. clean romance that is thoroughly researched and rooted in strong faith. I am particularly impressed how this novel highlights that the Civil War was brought about by more than just an desire to end slavery in the United States. I love the depth of faith than humanity that she imbues into each character, and the sub plots that have you rooting for multiple characters, and moments of faith that make you pause and reflect on your own personal faith and prayer life. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and I am willingly offering this honest review.