Innocent Deceptions

Set in Memphis, Tennessee, 1862. Charlotte Randolph and her brother, Alexander, had been alone in the home since the men went off to war. But all fell apart when Union soldiers appeared to use their home as a general's headquarters. They managed to escape to her brother, Michael. In stead of safety, Michael sent them back with a sob story so they could remain in the Randolph home, near the enemy, and spy. Captain Ben Chandler refused to be suckered into believing Charlotte's innocence as all the others in the house obviously had. He believed her nothing more than a spy for the Confederacy. Even when he feels an attraction toward her, he keeps his distance by reminding himself that no lady could ever care for a "cripple" with a prosthesis leg. Besides, he was busy keeping others from finding out how often his superior's mind wandered into the past. ***** Oh Readers, there is so much I am having to keep out of that synopsis! Each and every character has secrets and multiple fears that they must hide. The author was able to make it all so realistic to me that I often felt overwhelmed at all the problems poor Charlotte had to deal with! To invoke that kind of feeling from a reader shows major talent! Here is a story that you will not want to put down. Dust off your "Keeper" shelf, this one will claim a spot. Simply put, you MUST buy this book! ***** Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

The summer of 1862 brings Union soldiers to occupy Memphis, Tennessee. With her father and brother off fighting for the south, Charlotte Randolph maintains the family home and cares for six-year-old Alexander. The rabid hatred of her neighbor leads Union soldiers to her doorstep as they confiscate the family mansion. Charlotte startles one soldier on the stairs in her attempt to escape and leaves behind a powerful impression of innocence. Charlotte returns to the family mansion at her brother's insistence to act as a spy. Instead of weaving innocent deceptions, however, Charlotte soon begins to feel as though she weaves nothing but wicked lies. While Captain Ben Chandler refuses to fall under the spell of her deceit, the other residents of the household seem all too eager to believe in Charlotte's innocence. Truth and deception cannot dwell in the same place, however, and soon Charlotte will find herself caught in a web of her own weaving.INNOCENT DECEPTIONS by Gwyneth Atlee captures readers in a web of deception and betrayal as heroine Charlotte Randolph struggles with the most dramatic moral and ethical question of her time. Rarely does a heroine begin a novel believing in slavery and then come to question its morality in such a powerfully convincing narrative. Captain Ben Chandler likewise presents a powerful dilemma as a southerner fighting for the Union. Even his physical handicap comes as a surprise, lending him vulnerability beneath a commanding presence. Secondary characters are likewise vividly realized, including the implications of an aging General who fights increasing senility, and the free black woman serving as his cook. Indeed, Atlee once again demonstrates her consummate skill of balancing a convincing narrative with memorable characterizations. INNOCENT DECEPTIONS comes very highly recommended.

Set in Memphis, Tennessee, 1862. Charlotte Randolph and her brother, Alexander, had been alone in the home since the men went off to war. But all fell apart when Union soldiers appeared to use their home as a general's headquarters. They managed to escape to her brother, Michael. In stead of safety, Michael sent them back with a sob story so they could remain in the Randolph home, near the enemy, and spy. Captain Ben Chandler refused to be suckered into believing Charlotte's innocence as all the others in the house obviously had. He believed her nothing more than a spy for the Confederacy. Even when he feels an attraction toward her, he keeps his distance by reminding himself that no lady could ever care for a "cripple" with a prosthesis leg. Besides, he was busy keeping others from finding out how often his superior's mind wandered into the past. ***** Oh Readers, there is so much I am having to keep out of that synopsis! Each and every character has secrets and multiple fears that they must hide. The author was able to make it all so realistic to me that I often felt overwhelmed at all the problems poor Charlotte had to deal with! To invoke that kind of feeling from a reader shows major talent! Here is a story that you will not want to put down. Dust off your "Keeper" shelf, this one will claim a spot. Simply put, you MUST buy this book! *****

Set in Memphis, Tennessee, 1862. Charlotte Randolph and her brother, Alexander, had been alone in the home since the men went off to war. But all fell apart when Union soldiers appeared to use their home as a general's headquarters. They managed to escape to her brother, Michael. In stead of safety, Michael sent them back with a sob story so they could remain in the Randolph home, near the enemy, and spy. Captain Ben Chandler refused to be suckered into believing Charlotte's innocence as all the others in the house obviously had. He believed her nothing more than a spy for the Confederacy. Even when he feels an attraction toward her, he keeps his distance by reminding himself that no lady could ever care for a "cripple" with a prosthesis leg. Besides, he was busy keeping others from finding out how often his superior's mind wandered into the past. ***** Oh Readers, there is so much I am having to keep out of that synopsis! Each and every character has secrets and multiple fears that they must hide. The author was able to make it all so realistic to me that I often felt overwhelmed at all the problems poor Charlotte had to deal with! To invoke that kind of feeling from a reader shows major talent! Here is a story that you will not want to put down. Dust off your "Keeper" shelf, this one will claim a spot. Simply put, you MUST buy this book! ***** Reviewed by Detra Fitch