Friend and colleague Jerri Hines has been busy of late, penning her new serial set of historical romance novels: Southern Legacy. It consists of four books, all attached to each other — not a series, because the books do not stand alone, but a serial in the great tradition of Charles Dickens and Henry James. Although Jerri isn’t writing her stories for magazine publication, we all have access to them on Amazon — no subscription required.
The four books are as follows:
Belle of Charleston, Book One
In a world of pageantry and show, the Montgomery family accepts the way of life that has been antebellum Charleston for over a hundred years. Two cousins, the handsome and debonair, Wade Montgomery and the bold and brooding Cullen Smythe, were born to be brothers. Raised as Southern gentlemen, their character could never be questioned–loyalty, honor, duty to one’s country, God and family. It was the tie that binds until…their bond is threatened, not only by the cry for secession but by a woman–Josephine Buchanan Wright.
Josephine Buchanan Wright is a dutiful, southern belle. Her future seems fated to the two Montgomery cousins…until all she has placed her faith in falls apart. As her life spirals out of control, she tries desperately to cling to the honor and duty that has been instilled in her. But how can she do so when all she has known is no more?
On Amazon
Shadows of Magnolia, Book Two
Somewhere between love and tomorrow is forever!Josephine Buchanan Wright is forced apart from the man she loves. She has chosen the path of honor and duty, denying her heart its desire. Unaware of a growing threat against her, she strives to make her dying father’s wish a reality.Cullen Smythe returns to Philadelphia and tries to pick up the pieces of his shattered heart…forget her and make a life for himself–alone. But fate has other plans for once more Josephine enters his world.
Can their love be rekindled against the forces against them? Love and betrayal; jealousy and violence–all with a war looming on the horizon, bidding brother against brother.
On Amazon
Born To Be Brothers, Book Three
Each has chosen a different path, Tied by the bond of brothers!
The tie that bound the cousins, Cullen Smythe and Wade Montgomery, together has been strained…stretched to the breaking point and there is nothing Josephine can do. The bond once shared, once so strong, has been lost in the turmoil surrounding their lives…none larger than the war that looms on the horizon. The war will force the brothers to choose sides. Each will defend their beliefs and loyalties with courage and valor, but each will stand against each other. The world that once was will be no more.
On Amazon
THE SUN RISES ~ The dramatic conclusion to the absorbing, tantalizing saga— Southern Legacy!
The Sun Rises, Book Four. (The Sun Rises is going to be released October 19, 2015.)
From the ashes of war, can an ember of love still burn?
The final chapter of this sweeping tale finds Josephine Wright Montgomery reeling from the devastation and loss around her. Stunned, she has never felt so helpless and alone. The life she has known is gone forever. Through her courage and strength, she is determined to hold onto Magnolia Bluff, but there is more working against her than the war raging.
US Navy Lieutenant Cullen Smythe has distinguished himself with his bravery and valor in the hard fought campaigns at New Orleans and Mobile. Time and battles have done little to expunge the demons that haunt him. Nevertheless when he receives news he has long feared, he has no choice. He follows his heart back to Josephine…but will it be too late?
Pre-order from Amazon
AUTHOR’S NOTE:
This is a serial! The books may have cliffhangers and hooks to make you want to continue to the next book. Do not begin if you don’t want to become addicted to the series! Southern Legacy will consist of four books– Belle of Charleston, Shadows of Magnolia, Born to Be Brothers and The Sun Rises.
Set against the backdrop of Antebellum Charleston with the martial clash of brother against brother looming on the horizon–here is an absorbing, tantalizing saga of life during one of our country’s most turbulent times–Southern Legacy Series.
How about an excerpt? Here’s one from Belle of Charleston.
Cullen fell into step behind Jo as she walked down the steps.
“You didn’t send for Wade?” he asked.
Jo paused and looked back at him. His face was void of emotion, but his actions told more than words. Her answer held importance to him.
“I came only to say goodbye to a dear friend. It seems that Miss Hazel held to Wade’s word more than I.”
“You have no intention of disrupting Wade’s wedding?”
Her eyes flamed. “Why do you insist it is my intention? Do you not think I have some pride? Wade lied to me. He made promises he could not keep. I want nothing more to do with him…ever!”
She briefly thought of running from him, but it would be a useless gesture. Why did he keep pressing her so? The answer, though, appeared to please him that she had not sought out Wade.
“Come, let us talk.” He extended his arm. “Tell me, how is it that your mammy lives close to you?”
Given no choice, she accepted and walked down the dirt road with him. “The farm is hers. It was payment from Papa. Miss Hazel said it was perfect, being between her two babies.”
“You confuse me, Miss Wright.”
“Miss Hazel considers me hers as well as her son. Heyward, Wade’s man, is her son. Miss Hazel came to Papa when her master lost money gambling to Papa, but Papa couldn’t free Heyward. He had already been sold to you Montgomerys. Papa was quite upset that you Montgomerys wouldn’t sell him.”
“Your father freed your mammy?”
“Papa hates slavery, Lieutenant Smythe. Miss Hazel was never a slave to Daddy. I told you it is the same with Gillie. She is my companion.”
“Miss Wright, it is not my intention to dispute your claims, but this farm is owned by your father, not Miss Hazel. Though I admire your stance on slavery, I would ascertain that neither Miss Hazel nor your companion are free.”
“Then you have been misinformed.” Jo halted and pulled back her arm. Her nerves frayed. She could take no more. “Why…why, Lieutenant, do you feel the need to bait me? If you believe you know the answer, why ask me? Why…why do you feel the need to interfere with my life?”
“My actions are intended to help, not harm.”
“You feel guilt because of Wade? Well, I release you from any guilt you may feel. I am leaving…I am going to find Papa…I want nothing more to do with any Montgomery…,” she lashed out, frowning with suspicion. “You…come bounding into Miss Hazel’s, with Andrew of all people.”
“Andrew came because he thought he might reason with you. Nothing more.”
“You should know better than I that he hates me.”
“Why would you say such a thing? His foot? You believe he blames you for his limp? It would be foolish to do so, to blame another for one’s own actions. It was an accident. Nothing more.”
“Were you not angry with me that day also? Do not lie to me. I remember well your words and your eyes…you frightened me. You were so irritated with me.”
His tense expression eased…softened. “I suppose to a child it might have seemed so. You have my heartfelt apology for my actions. I had thought you acted recklessly, endangering others. I had not recognized the circumstance until much later.”
“Since you returned, I have dreamed of it often…of you rescuing me…of Andrew agonizing in pain. I meant no harm to anyone. I wanted only to save Gillie…”
“Miss Wright, if Andrew holds resentment about his accident, it is not you he holds responsible.”
She glanced askance at him. “What do you want from me?”
“Miss Wright, you must be aware that I have presented myself to your grandfather. I have asked for your hand. It does not bode well to discover that the woman I have offered for is running away.”
“Do not distort the offer. You did so—”
“I did so with the utmost sincerity and seriousness. I am not in the habit of offering for a woman’s hand, since I have never done so before you. Do not take it lightly.”
She could tell he was most serious. “I’m afraid you have me at a disadvantage. You must realize that only a couple of weeks ago I believed I was to marry your cousin…I…”
“You believe yourself in love with him,” Cullen said with a sudden smile that told her he thought he had her at an advantage. “Tell me then why I do not believe that you even know what love is. My cousin has a reputation for accumulating hearts. Most females cannot see behind his smile.
“Granted, you fascinated him more than any other. Do you want to know what I believe? I believe that marriage scared him and he sought an escape.”
Temper flashed again. “You believe I was no more than a diversion.”
“I believe he convinced himself you were more.”
“That is why you have offered to sacrifice yourself. To fall on your sword to save your family face.”
He stepped closer. She retreated a step and readied herself to bolt, but he didn’t permit it. He caught her arm and pivoted her around abruptly.
“Miss Wright, you have the most annoying way of antagonizing me.”
His arms wrapped about her and pulled her into an embrace. She had no time to protest. His lips were upon hers. She made no resistance, being taken by complete surprise. Her frigid response thawed in the warmth of his arms.
Her body reacted in a way most worrisome. Tentative. Curious. Then with a primitive instinct. The war between her mind and body was lost. Her lips softened under his and he ravished her mouth. Shock tensed through her. Every fiber of her being was encompassed by this man.
Slowly, she realized his lips had released hers. The world once more became reality. Her eyes opened to find him studying her face.
“If I am to fall upon a sword, I will do so willingly,” he whispered so close she felt his breath against her. “Now tell me what you had planned, Josephine.”
About Jerri Hines, in her own words:
I’m a Southern gal that has lived the last thirty years near Boston with my Yankee husband. The funny thing is that as a Southerner I know I’m Southern; he hasn’t a clue he’s a Yankee. I believe in love and the power it holds. It is the reason I write romances. My fascination for history has inspired many of my books including the Winds of Betrayal and Tide of Charleston Series both set during the American Revolution. Coming soon, I will release a Civil War saga, the Southern Legacy Series beginning with Belle of Charleston.
I, also, write under the pen name Colleen Connally. Secret Lives, a historical romance series, is riddled with romantic suspense and a touch of paranormal. Fragmented, Book One Boston’s Crimes of Passion, marks my first contemporary suspense thriller.
I am also a supporter of Home For Little Wanderers in Boston and the Alzheimer’s Association.
You can reach Jerri here:
Twitter at @jhines340
Hot of the virtual presses: Charity and the Preacher, my Christmas story set in 1891, Virtue, Arizona Territory. Here’s the teaser:
