Thandi's Love: A Novel by Angel Strong
Set in the South during the mid-1800's, Thandi's Love explores the torrid love affair between beautiful mulatto slave Thandi Boran, and her married master, Tom Lexington. This riveting tale revolves around their great love and the many obstacles they endured. (The main obstacle being Tom's marriage to Anna, the mean-spirited daughter of his business partner and enemy, Daniel Stafford) With suspicions mounting and tempers flaring, Stafford warns Tom to stay away from Thandi or else... He (Stafford) soon takes his daughter back home for a much-needed break. In their absence, Stafford sends his business partner and fellow associate Victor Richmond to keep an eye on affairs, who in which instantly takes a keen liking to Thandi.With news that his beloved Aunt is dying, Tom pays her a visit and learns a shocking piece of news. Slowly the facts are revealed. Not only facts of the here and now, but also deep dark secrets from the past...Step back in time and take a journey through undeniable love, forever friendships, selfless sacrifices, and unforgettable breathtaking moments that will leave you yearning for more...
Great story! Review by Boundless Book Reviews
Slavery at one time was a horrible realization in our world. Blacks and whites could not mix and certainly not fall in love. This story tells of a gentle slave owner and a forbidden love. Tom is a man like no other, he cared for his slaves deeply. When his childhood playmates come to his plantation to help with the harvest he soon finds himself in love. Thandi was a dear friend of Tom's along with her brother Isaac. Yes, she is mulatto (mix of black and white). Soon after a romance begins and truths come to light the lives of these people will never be the same. Victor Richmond comes to the rescue when Thandi is in danger and with him she finds a life she never expected.
If I had to rate this book on the story alone it would be rated a 5. I have to look at the book as a whole though, so I have to rate it lower due to grammar, punctuation, and other writing issues. Honestly, the story was a great one. It really kept me interested and I loved it. The characters were real and colorful and many were easy to love while others were very easy to dislike. The ending was simply awesome. The writing was where I found the most fault. I got this book on Kindle Unlimited and so I assume it's a finished version. Grammar and punctuation mistakes are found on just about every page. Usually if I see one or two mistakes, I can ignore them, but this book is in need of editing. If you can look past the grammatical issues the story is well worth the read. It has history, romance, and drama. It is an enthralling story from the very first page....Stormi
I am a student of history and so loved this story that is set rich in the history ... Review by Anne Gentry
I am a student of history and so loved this story that is set rich in the history of the antebellum South. The culture really came to life through the rich portrayal of characters. Often I think of "Gone with the Wind" when thinking of this period -- a woman lived a hard-scrabble life keeping her family afloat in the worst changing times. This story was set before the Civil War showing things from a woman's view. This was the story of Thandi, a free-born then in slavery, and her plight to preserve her body, mind and heart in a situation where there truly were no opportunities that did not involve men. On the other hand, this was beautifully contrasted with the ill-tempered Wife of the Plantation whose parents shuttled her off to this small plantation to be married when her ability to marry on her own was out of the question. Her Father black-mailed her husband to marry her. She was resented by her husband. Dowry's were given between men, no such thing as giving your single daughter a livable sum. While the reader feels no empathy toward her, still we see the iron clad limits placed on all women of the time. How could this woman sitting in her room all day spying on others feel fulfilled? This glimpse back in history gave me such appreciation of my own life and freedom to make my own choices as a woman.
More than this, there was romance, a secret worth waiting for. All in all -
Very thought provoking!
I really enjoyed this book! Review by Flossy Abraham
I don't normally go for historical fiction, as not my chosen genre, but I absolutely loved this book. I was immediately interested in Thandi's character and was drawn into her story and that of her family. Angel writes well and the story line flows beautifully. The characters were well developed - I took an instant dislike to Anna and her father! I wont give away any of the storylines here, but all I can say is you must read this book! I got this novel free with amazon prime, but I would have happily purchased it. Gorgeous read. Well done, Angel, I look forward to your next book.