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Rebel

Book 1 in the series:Women Who Dare

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Rebel by Beverly Jenkins is a historical romance set in post-Civil War New Orleans, focusing on a schoolteacher, Valinda, who faces challenges as she tries to educate freed slaves. The book delves into themes of racism, sexism, and violence, while also exploring the romantic relationship between Valinda and Drake LeVeq, a member of a wealthy family who aids her in rebuilding her school. Readers appreciate the historical and cultural details woven into the story, as well as the strong and appealing characters who navigate the complexities of the time period.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, featuring a strong, independent heroine and a supportive hero who navigate personal and societal challenges.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style features authentic historical details paired with emotionally engaging and often humorous prose, successfully creating a vibrant narrative.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot is set in post-Civil War New Orleans, involving Valinda Lacey as she helps freed slaves while navigating her feelings for Drake Le Veq and facing numerous challenges.

Setting:

The setting vividly depicts post-Civil War New Orleans during the Reconstruction Era, illustrating social injustices and the historical context.

Pacing:

The pacing is quick, balancing character development with plot progression, though some readers noted that certain parts felt rushed.
Twenty-eight-year-old Valinda Lacy greeted her fifteen students with a smile as they filed into her classroom. Due to New Orleans’s post-war chaos, she was teaching out of an old barn a few miles from...

Notes:

Rebel is the first book in both the Women Who Dare series and the Le Veq Family series.
The story is set in post-Civil War New Orleans during the Reconstruction era.
The main character, Valinda Lacey, is a strong-willed teacher dedicated to educating freed slaves.
Valinda faces significant challenges, including racial violence and social injustice.
Drake Le Veq, a military officer, becomes Valinda's love interest and supporter.
The book expertly blends romance with authentic historical details about the struggles of freed Black people.
Valinda's father is portrayed as controlling, limiting her freedom and aspirations for education.
The story addresses serious themes like racism and the fight for independence and education during Reconstruction.
The relationship between Valinda and Drake develops from instant attraction to deep emotional connection.
Beverly Jenkins is praised for her ability to create relatable and strong characters with depth.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings for 'Rebel' include instances of violence, sexual assault, and racism, reflecting the harsh realities of the historical setting.

Has Romance?

The romance in 'Rebel' is a prominent aspect of the narrative, with a strong and emotional connection between the main characters Valinda and Drake.

From The Publisher:

The first novel in USA Today Bestselling Author Beverly Jenkins's compelling new series follows a Northern woman south in the chaotic aftermath of the Civil War . . .

Valinda Lacy's mission in the steamy heart of New Orleans is to help the newly emancipated community survive and flourish. But soon she discovers that here, freedom can also mean danger. When thugs destroy the school she has set up and then target her, Valinda runs for her life-and straight into the arms of Captain Drake LeVeq.

As an architect from an old New Orleans family, Drake has a deeply personal interest in rebuilding the city. Raised by strong women, he recognizes Valinda's determination. And he can't stop admiring-or wanting-her. But when Valinda's father demands she return home to marry a man she doesn't love, her daring rebellion draws Drake into an irresistible intrigue.

Ratings (3)

Loved It (3)

Reader Stats (4):

Read It (3)
Want To Read (1)

2 comment(s)

Loved It
1 week

Beverly Jenkins knows how to deliver a good historical romance, lovely romance, strong heroines and a good portion of depth. I really enjoyed reading about the heroine in this.

 
Loved It
1 month

Another fantastic Black histrom from Ms. Bev! This one is a little harder to read because of the setting -- New Orleans was a dangerous place for Black people in the years immediately following the Civil War, and Jenkins doesn't shy away from that. But the story of Valinda Lacy discovering it as a place where she can live large and experience desire and its fulfilment with Drake LeVeq, descendant of pirates is ultimately joyful as all her books are.

 
 
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