Crescent City: A Novel

I found this book to be extremely poignant, with well defined, strong convictions, right or wrong. Family loyalties in the face of extreme differing opinions.. overcomed inner strugles.. unfulfilled affairs of the heart.. the whole gamut of what makes a readable story with heart pounding and mind absorbing.. I will make a point of reading more of Ms Plain's books.

This book swept me into the passion, politics, and struggles of the Civil War era. What amazed me about this book, page after page, was Belva Plain's vivid choice of words. I felt moved by every scene, however significant, through the book. Belva knows her characters intimately and draws you into their hearts. I read paragraphs over and over again because I was so moved by Belva's ability to bring the 1800's South to life and the emotions of love, commitment, duty, religion, and heritage. This is a book that will be cherished on my shelf forever and I will surely re-read when I want to escape to power that it offers.