Lisa T Bergren's "Keturah" - The Sugar Baron's Daughters, book 1

In order to save the remains of their heritage after their father's death, Keturah and her sisters flaunt convention and travel to the West Indies on their own to take control of the sugar plantation. After a disastrous marriage, Keturah is determined never to let a man control her again, not even her well-meaning childhood friend Gray, who travels to Nevis Island at the same time. But life amongst the declining sugar barons is harder than they anticipate. Will Keturah be able to surrender her heart to find healing?

This is fairly bold story, taking on some harsh realities of history and the present day--from slavery to abuse--but also holds onto God's truth and speaks a message of hope.

I like the balance the author strikes in dealing with slavery--it isn't popular these days to have heroes and heroines that endorse it, but it was a such a part of history that it cannot be ignored, either. In the 1700's, there was no other feasible way to run a sugar plantation; slaves were a necessity, and Keturah and her sisters own some. But the Banning girls see the brutality of slavery and take pains to be fair owners. They even buck the traditions of the island in their willingness to deal with freed slaves.

Keturah reminded me a bit of Scarlett O'Hara, with all her drive and ambition, that determination to survive and live life on her own terms, but without Scarlett's selfishness and manipulation; while Scarlett was more than willing to turn on her sisters, Keturah will do everything in her power to keep hers safe. She still has some strong prejudices that fit her upbringing (I'm sure some people will find her intolerant), but she still comes far from where she starts. And she comes really far through her relationship with Gray; I appreciate how slow it takes, since Keturah needs time to heal and learn to trust again.

I found it a well-written and fascinating story. I look forward to Verity and Selah's stories!

Thank you Bethany House and NetGalley for providing a free e-book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions are my own.

The Sugar Baron's Daughters
1. Keturah
2. Verity
3. Selah