Charleston

I have read every historical romance set in the Old South that I have gotten my hands on and this one is by far the best!!!!! I have been a HUGE Gone with the Wind fan since I was a teenager, but to compare these two books is unfair, I think. They both take place in the South around the time of Civil War, but the simliarities stop there. Scarlett, the heroine of GWTW, is selfish, greedy and manipulative (dont get me wrong, I love her for it, even try to emulate her at times) but facts are facts. Scarlett had to "lie, steal, cheat or kill" to survive after the war, and we celebrate her for that. Elizabeth Tradd, Margaret Tradd, Julia Ashley and Lucy Anson, the main "ladies" in this book are everything we love about true heroines. Julia Ashley, unmarried spenster who is truely the head of the family, is strong, smart, calculating and at times, hard. She amazingly saves the Ashley Plantation from certain ruin, even as the Yankees are at her front door. Margaret Tradd, she is the closest to being like Scarlett, she is selfish, and manilpulative, but unlike Scarlett, she is dim witted and flighty. You almost feel sorry for her, but remember that , even if she is dumb, she is a southern lady in every aspect, so you know she will be ok. Lucy Anson, my only complaint about her is that she doesn't get enough "page time" (if you will) in this book. She is one of those amazing charecters in a book that is very important, yet largely ignored. Then there is little Lizzy Tradd. She is the main charecter in this book, but you do not get to really know her until well into the book. She is beautifully plain, genuinely kind and over whelmingly strong. The men in this book are just as dynamic as the women, but are depectied as they should be: Stong, honorable, yet flawed southern gentlemen, who have these incrediable women whispering what needs to been done into their ear. The stongest most predominate character in this book, however, is the city itself - Charleston. This city is not run by the citizens who live there, they are run by the city. I found myself yearning to learn more about this wonderful, fairtale like city. I could almost see my self walking up the steps to the Saint Cecila Ball. I could swear while reading this book that I could hear the bells of St. Micheal counting off the hours. If for nothing else, read this book simpliy to learn more about one of this country's greatest cities. I have read this book, FOUR yes count them ONE TWO THREE FOUR times. I always find something that I missed, and never feel like I already know what is going to happen. ***Sadly I recently found out that Alexandra Ripley died at the age of 70, peacefully in her home in Virginia. I am saddened by the fact that we will not have any new works from this lovely, inspiring writer. We love, Ms. Ripley, RIP.******

Boy, was this book ever hard to track down! Seems that most people who read it want to keep it for their own collection - and I just became one of them! Besides the fact that Ripley is one of my favorite authors, Charleston is one of my favorite cities, and historical fiction is my favorite genre of literature, this book caught my attention from the first page and kept it all the way until the last.This heartwarming, often heartbreaking novel reveals the triumphs and tragedies that were 19th century southern America. From sending young men off to fight their brothers,to facing the adversity of Reconstruction, to the struggle between between races and classes, Ripley absolutely captures the latter part of a tumultuous century.Leading us on this journey is the novel's heroine, Elizabeth Tradd, raised in wealth and finery until the Civil War leaves her family bordering on poverty. "Lizzie", despite the set-backs, however, manages to use her tenacious spirit and her magnetic charm to establish a life for herself while all the while striving to mend the lives of her family and friends.Lizzie is truly an inspirational character that I grew to love, laugh, and cry for. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys strong characters, fine writing, and an adoration for all things beautiful.

As an avid lover of historical and romantic fiction this book is one of the best that I have ever read! If you liked gone with the wind or scarlett you will love this book. The characters are origional and inspiring. After reading this book I want to visit charleston. Also read the sequel on leaving charleston because it is wonderful also.