Member Reviews

Tha Author Karen Sloan Brown has written a wonderful book, I have enjoyed trveling through time with her, 5 Generations, starting with Hurcules, He is a good slave, very valuable to his master, ends up loving the same woman, a half black woman, that his master has fallen in love with, Rachell, she is brought in as a young girl! Takenn up to the house to be a companian for his Daughter, only because the master couldnt take his eyes off her, he waits for her to grow into a woman, then takes her in ways he shouldnt, and so the story goes, one heartache after another for Rachell.
This is a must read, I couldnt put it down. Thank you to net Galley for allowing me to read this wonderful story.

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A sweeping saga that follows the extraordinary journey of one black family through five generations. Inspired by Genesis 8:22, the novel unfolds across over a century, tracing the family's roots from Sierra Leone to the rice plantations of Georgia. At the heart of the story is Hercules, a young African enslaved and renamed upon arrival in Charleston, and his bond with Rachel, a fellow captive. As their daughter Maia navigates the privilege of the Bailey Plantation amidst the backdrop of the Civil War, her path intersects with love and refuge on Ossabaw Island with Aaron. With each generation, the family thrives and overcomes adversity, leaving an indelible mark on African-American history. The Fortunes of Blues and Blessing is a captivating and heartfelt narrative that celebrates resilience, triumph, and the profound impact of choice and chance on our lives.

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A mesmerizing historical saga that whisked me away to a captivating world of courage, heartbreak, and hope. Following the journey of one black family over five generations, this novel weaves a powerful narrative inspired by real-life individuals who have left their mark on African-American history. From Sierra Leone to Georgia's rice plantations, the story delves into the complexities of enslavement, love, and resilience. I was deeply moved by Hercules and Rachel's bond and Maia's unwavering strength amidst the tumultuous backdrop of the Civil War. As each generation thrived and faced its unique challenges, I found myself rooting for this remarkable family and feeling deeply connected to their struggles and triumphs.

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