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Rating: 
Summary: A great Romance!
Review: I really enjoyed this book. A very good historical romance that touched my heart.
Rating: 
Summary: Syrup and Cliches
Review: I was intrigued by the summary on the book jacket. Once engaged, I found the writing to be closer to a romance novel than the historical fiction feel I was looking for. The style was full of cliches and I found it unbelievable that a character could hold a candle for as long as these two did, when there was so little contact between them for such long periods of time. I prefered the style and writing of The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory.
Rating:
Summary: engagingly deep romantic historical fiction
Review: In 1837 at a West Point ball, Cadet William Sherman sees the sister of a peer on the dance floor with one of the recent graduates. He intercedes over the anger of her partner to claim the remainder of the dance with Cecilia Stovall, a beautiful southern belle. The two hit it off, but William is not good enough as far as the aristocratic Stovall brood is concerned. Her parents whisk her off to Europe though she continues her correspondence with dear William. However, ultimately they force her to marry a wealthy planter and he eventually takes a wife.During the Civil War, they meet and realize the passion and love still remains strong between them. However, will his love for her prove stronger than his military march to cut the south in half by avoiding her home and her city? Or will he butcher one more place when he brings the horrors of war to the populace? MY DEAREST CECILIA is an engagingly deep romantic historical fiction novel based on the true star crossed love between General Sherman and Southern belle Cecilia Stovall. The story line provides insight into Sherman turning him into a full person and not just a war hero or "Butcher" depending on your perspective. Diane Haeger uses real persona and events to anchor her fictionalized account of the two-wannabe lovers. Fans receive a strong tale that will send much of the audience seeking THE SECRET LIFE OF KING GEORGE IV; another romantic historical novel that along with this book shows Ms. Haeger has carved out a unique niche for herself. Harriet Klausner
Rating:
Summary: engagingly deep romantic historical fiction
Review: In 1837 at a West Point ball, Cadet William Sherman sees the sister of a peer on the dance floor with one of the recent graduates. He intercedes over the anger of her partner to claim the remainder of the dance with Cecilia Stovall, a beautiful southern belle. The two hit it off, but William is not good enough as far as the aristocratic Stovall brood is concerned. Her parents whisk her off to Europe though she continues her correspondence with dear William. However, ultimately they force her to marry a wealthy planter and he eventually takes a wife. During the Civil War, they meet and realize the passion and love still remains strong between them. However, will his love for her prove stronger than his military march to cut the south in half by avoiding her home and her city? Or will he butcher one more place when he brings the horrors of war to the populace? MY DEAREST CECILIA is an engagingly deep romantic historical fiction novel based on the true star crossed love between General Sherman and Southern belle Cecilia Stovall. The story line provides insight into Sherman turning him into a full person and not just a war hero or "Butcher" depending on your perspective. Diane Haeger uses real persona and events to anchor her fictionalized account of the two-wannabe lovers. Fans receive a strong tale that will send much of the audience seeking THE SECRET LIFE OF KING GEORGE IV; another romantic historical novel that along with this book shows Ms. Haeger has carved out a unique niche for herself. Harriet Klausner
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Summary: Love that last a life time!
Review: It is Spring of 1837, and due to dispute at home, Southern belle Cecelia Stovall is sent with her 2 brothers to visit her oldest brother Marcellus who is attending West Point Academy. While attending the Commencement Ball Cecelia meets Northerner William T. Sherman, roomate of Marcellus. They are both captivated with each other and find reasons to see each other during the days to follow (against the approval of her brothers). During one of these times they pledge their love to each other. Marcellus discovers that there are sparks between the two. Cecelia is swept away by her brothers and adventually off to Europe by her father, against her will, with Marcellus to avoid communication between her and William. The Stovall family is a wealthy, starch, southern family that will have no northerner as a part of it. Failing attempts are made to send correspondence to William of her love. While in Europe, Cecelia is introduced to wealthy cotton planter Charles Shelman from Georgia. Since the family business is in financial need, marriage between Cecelia and Charles is that much more important as well as the prestige it would have for the family name. Cecelia and Marcellus finally return home to Georgia, with Charles determined to make her his trophy wife. To earn favor with his father, Marcellus sees that attempts made between William and Cecelia to write or see each other are void. Cecelia is able to avoid marriage to Charles wondering why William hasn't come after her, while William is sent false word that Cecelia has forgotten him and moved on with her life. Days, months, and then years go by. Both eventually end up married to others (though their hearts belong to each other only) only to find each other again and discover that each still truly love each other. The marriages are rocky from beginning to end. Civil War breaks out. Over time William becomes a noted General for the North while Cecelia works with the Underground Railroad helping to get slaves out of the South and a spy for the North. Their paths cross several times only to realize those vows that were taken such a long time ago were for life. It is a wonderful book. Very well written. My heart went out to Cecelia and William-to see others control their futures was just heart breaking. I highly recommend it!!!
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Summary: IF I ONLY HAD MORE STARS TO GIVE.............
Review: See the PS at the end of this- I've rationed myself and got through Chapter 4, trying to make this last as long as I can, but I had to go ahead and write. Diane Haeger has outdone herself. OK, I'm prejudiced. I have never enjoyed an author's works as much as hers, and I have not found another author of her caliber. I didn't think she could do any better than THE SECRET WIFE OF KING GEORGE IV, but this has already set itself up as such. The love story (based on a true story)between Cecilia and William is already so heartwrenching- to find a love so strong, so quickly, so true....and to be told by the world it would be destined to fail. These characters from the very beginning are so believeable and so realistic, you can close your eyes and envision them standing in front of you having their conversations. If you aren't familiar with Diane Haeger's works, RUN, don't walk, to your nearest bookstore. One quick warning- she sets the bar so high, you will be hard pressed to find another author that can come close to appeasing you until she sends us another book! PS- I've finished and I can't begin to praise this book enough. One thing I enjoyed about this book that has been different from other Civil War era books is that you are not drowned in a history lesson along with the story. The author tells you enough to acclimate you to what is going on without going too far into details of the war and battles. As with all her books, you don't ever want them to end and find you have a hard time finding anything else to read that will appease you after this.
Rating:
Summary: Diane Haeger is a superb author
Review: This is the 2nd book of hers I have read, and I loved it just as much as the first. She is an amazing writer and is now my favorite! I would recommend (and do) this book and any others by Diane Haeger to anyone.
Rating:
Summary: Diane Haeger is a superb author
Review: This is the 2nd book of hers I have read, and I loved it just as much as the first. She is an amazing writer and is now my favorite! I would recommend (and do) this book and any others by Diane Haeger to anyone.
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