Glory (The Old Florida Series Book 5)

I LOVED this series! And it is more fun to read the books in order, though they weren't that easy to find. Thank goodness my library had most of them. Great romance and wonderful history. Totally consumed too much of my time, but boy was I entertained, and truly miss having them to read.

This is the 5th in Graham's 19th century Old Florida's McKenzies series--romances that tell the stories of the men and women who shaped a great state. Graham takes care to give us the history of the times (it's her home state after all!) as she weaves tales of love in the Eden that was early Florida. As this story opens, presumably in 1863, the Civil War continues and Julian McKenzie, the younger brother of Ian McKenzie (Ian's story is told in Rebel) is still part of the Florida militia bringing essential and gifted medical treatment to the wounded Confederate (and sometimes Union) soldiers, even though his father and older brother are confirmed Unionists. Promoted to Colonel and leading a group of men, he comes upon Rhiannon Tremaine, Union supporter and widow of Richard, a Union soldier whom she loved and still mourns. Rhiannon is also rumored to be a "white witch" as she "sees things" and is gifted with herbs and potions. In book 4 (Surrender) we had Risa kissing Jerome thinking it was Ian. Glory begins with Rhiannon, high on opium, making love to Julian thinking she is dreaming of making love to Richard. Once they touch, it seems their hearts are forever changed. When Julian leaves her house, he takes her captive in order (ostensibly) to save her from falling into drug addiction and to make use of her healing talents. But he doesn't keep her long. Like the others in the series, we have a Reb and a Yank (and one is a McKenzie) and a shotgun wedding. I liked finding out more about Sydney and Brent (Jerome's siblings). If you've read all the books thus far (see below), then like me you are probably at the point of skipping some passages that recount the debate behind the Civil War. I suppose Graham had to do that to make them "stand alone," novels but one could have hoped for a series would written as a whole without the need for repetition. (Dream on, right?) She does the restatements pretty well so it's not unbearable. The romances will hold your attention and you will find yourself fascinated not only with the time in American history but with Florida, a land unlike any other in America. The series in order: Runaway Captive Rebel Surrender Glory Triumph

I am fascinated by the Civil War period in American History - not so much the battle parts - but the relationships in families and the recovery after the Civil War. I know this is a cliche - but I absolutely could not put this book down - I read until 5:00 in the morning!

Any sequel to the masterpiece Surrender in this series might suffer in comparison. However, Glory doesn't pale by comparison. I'm fact Glory in many ways takes many of the storylines and continues them. Instead of one couple, Heather Graham weaved the stories of Sydney and Jesse and Julian and Rhiannon. The horrors of war - survivors is the backdrop. The role of medicine is enthralling and devastating- especially in the context of Gettysburg. Through primarily Julian's and Rhiannon's storyline the real Glory is that of love, letting go and moving forward. It is about reconciliation and healing of hearts and a nation. So on to the the final story - Tia the little sister and the McKenzie family.

The characters were mostly believable and it was fun to learn a little about the early history of our country during its beginnings. With so very many family members involved in the story, it almost became confusing but was a nice read.

Great series - I've read all eleven so far and am reading the last now. Would recommend it to anyone that interested in history along with a great story in every book.

When I tried to purchase this book after reading a sample & noting the kindle price of 6.99, the system wouldn't allow a purchase to go through. After thinking my device was failing I found I just had to buy through the store for 9.99!! So is this bait & switch? I was disappointed enough to never purchase another book, however, I thought maybe Heather doesn't know or condone such practices and Graham is always such a good author, I succumbed & paid the fee. I loved this whole series except for any explicit sex scenes that I always feel down grades the story.

I enjoyed the book almost as much as the Bregdan Chronicles!!!! Only wish there were more with Rhiannon and Julian. This is scream for anyone that loves books set in the Civil War era.

The American Revolution provides background to romance between a man and woman from opposing sides. Gritty, real characters, who show respect to the wounded from both sides, while fighting their attraction. Excellent read.