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BOOK REVIEW: Then Came Faith
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by: Laura V. Hilton Dancing Word Reviewer
Title: Then Came Faith Author: Louise M. Gouge Publisher: Emerald Pointe Books ISBN: 0-97851-372-X Genre: Inspirational/Historical/Romance
Juliana Harris has traveled to New Orleans, now that the Civil War is over, because she wants to help the South heal. When she arrives, she finds the city is overrun with Union soldiers, yet is unfriendly toward Yankees. Stranded at the dock, Juliana isn’t sure what to do until a handsome southerner man comes to her aid. But he is decidedly unfriendly, even curt.
Andre Beauchamp has had his whole life torn from him as a result of the war between states. His father has been hung, his brother is dead, and his mother is just a shell of her former self. Andre vows to never forgive the north for what they’ve done to his family. Yet he can’t forget the beautiful Juliana.
Andre and Juliana’s paths keep crossing, though they are never formally introduced, and a friendship of sorts grows. But when someone shoots Juliana’s host, all evidence points to Andre. Will Juliana trust her heart?
Then Came Faith is the first book in Louise Gouge’s new series. I have read Louise Gouge’s previous books, and I think this one is the best one I’ve read yet. My interest was instantly engaged and held all the way through the story. I had to keep reading to see what would happen next.
I found some of the events a bit disturbing, but they are true to the time period, and unfortunately, for several decades following the war. Juliana and Andre were sympathetic characters, as were some of the secondary characters. I cared what happened. The writing is stellar, and one can tell that Louise Gouge did her research. The faith message is expertly woven in.
Historical fiction is not my favorite genre, and I thought the Civil War era had been overdone in fiction, but this book has changed my opinion. I’m definitely going to pick up the other books in this series. It’s that good. Bravo, Louise! Discussion questions and an author interview are included at the rear of the book. $14.99. 381 pages.
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