Dreams of Savannah

Author: Roseanna M. White
Genre: Historical Romance
Release Date: January 5, 2021

Cordelia Owens can weave a hopeful dream around anything and is well used to winning the hearts of everyone in Savannah with her whimsy. Even when she receives word that her sweetheart has been lost during a raid on a Yankee vessel, she clings to hope and comes up with many a romantic tale of his eventual homecoming to reassure his mother and sister.

But Phineas Dunn finds nothing redemptive in the first horrors of war. Struggling for months to make it home alive, he returns to Savannah injured and cynical, and all too sure that he is not the hero Cordelia seems determined to make him. Matters of black and white don't seem so simple anymore to Phin, and despite her best efforts, Delia's smiles can't erase all the complications in his life. And when Fort Pulaski falls and the future wavers, they both must decide where the dreams of a new America will take them, and if they will go together.

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Reviewer: Winnie Thomas

Set in Savannah during the Civil War and populated with colorful, realistic, and engaging characters, Roseanna M. White’s latest novel grabbed my interest from the first page and wouldn’t let go.

I liked Delia’s spunk, her penchant for storytelling, her slightly unconventional ways for her time, and her disregard for wealth and status. Phineas was an appealing hero with his honesty, his regard for others no matter what their status was, and his courage. The stellar cast of secondary characters showcases White’s talent for creating riveting and intriguing people for her books. I thought the title Dreams of Savannah is interesting as it can be taken more than one way.

With a perfect blend of action, suspense, romance, adventure, and inspiration, this story will appeal to those who enjoy reading fascinating historical romance. I enjoyed the historical detail, and the inspirational messages of courage, hope, and the brotherhood of man. 

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House. All opinions are my own.

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Reviewer: Laura J. Davis

​Dreams of Savannah by Roseanna M. White is a unique look at the civil war from the eyes of slave owners and slaves themselves. I applaud the author for being brave enough to take on such a sensitive issue, especially during the times we live in.

Cordelia Owens is a typical Southern Belle with a flair for telling stories. When her sweetheart is lost at sea her stories keep him alive in her heart and in the hearts of his family. As she continues to weave her tales, however, she becomes aware of other stories that need to be told and she secretly begins to meet with the slaves her father owns, to write an accurate account of all they have endured. The more she listens the more she questions her life and she turns to God for direction.

While Cordelia is listening to stories and writing them, Phineas Dunn, her intended, washes up (barely alive) on a beach in Cuba. He is saved by a free English black man, Luther, a minister who is searching for his wife who was kidnapped and illegally sold as a slave. He agrees to help Phineas get home if Phineas will help him find his wife. But first, Phineas needs to stay alive for that to happen.

At the same time, Cordelia's eyes are opened to how she has viewed and treated the slaves in her home, Phineas' eyes are also opened as Luther tends for him and prays for him. More importantly, Phin begins to seek a relationship with God and with His help, he attempts to make it back home to Cordelia.

This story has lots of layers. There is the question of how Southern Christians could justify owning slaves. And how many who owned slaves were forbidden by law to set them free. There is the perspective of the slave owners and the perspective of the slaves as well. There is also the spiritual aspect of how Southern Christians justified themselves before God. Amid all these heavy topics there is a romance in danger of being lost forever because Cordelia's father wants her to marry someone she absolutely despises. There is also a hunt for a free woman sold into slavery. So many stories inside this story!

The journey Phin and Cordelia take in uncovering their own prejudices and their journey back to God and to each other are well worth reading. I highly recommend this book!

I received a copy of this book courtesy of Bethany House Publishers through NetGalley.

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