""Revision of Risen Glory""

Just Imagine is a revised edition of Susan Elizabeth Phillips book, RISEN GLORY that she wrote in 1984. Apparently her many fans have been anxious to read RISEN GLORY but it is out of print and difficult to find. Don't expect JUST IMAGINE to be similar to her recent books. You won't find the quirky characters and funny situations that are associated with Ms. Phillips but what you will find is a good historical set in the United States directly after the Civil War.

Kit came from South Carolina to New York to find the new owner of the plantation, Risen Glory. Kit's father owned the prosperous cotton plantation and when he was killed in the war, it was left to his second wife, Kit's stepmother. When she passed away, she left the plantation to her son as well as the care of eighteen-year-old Kit. Kit is determined to have the plantation returned to her. Baron Cain had been a hero and a major in the army and Kit has no use for Yankees. She is dirty, has a fowl mouth and everyone believes her to be a boy. Baron hires her to work in his stables.

Baron is a successful gambler. He decides to sell Risen Glory much to Kit's chagrin. When he discovers who she really is, she begs him to sell her the plantation when she receives her inheritance at age twenty-five. They finally make a deal that if she goes to a posh finishing school in New York and makes it through the three years, he will not sell the house. She is forced to agree. With her belligerent attitude, she is finding school very difficult. She does make friends with her roommate and they decide how to get Risen Glory back. Kit must learn how to be a lady and marry a man that she can dominate. Now she has a goal and the outspoken Kit is a very determined young lady, but then, so is Baron.

It is fascinating to watch the strong-willed Kit turn into the beautiful woman, Katherine. The handsome Baron Cain is stunned by her beauty and captivated by her boldness. There is a secondary romance between Kit's long-time friend, Sophronia, and Baron's employee, Magnus. Sophronia does not want a black man. She wants to live in a beautiful house like a white woman. They are both interesting secondary characters and it is enjoyable to watch their romance progress. I was reminded of GONE WITH THE WIND so often while reading the book. The hero and heroine were such Rhett and Scarlett type characters that I wondered if Ms. Phillips had used them as her models. JUST IMAGINE is a well-written book and for anyone who enjoys historicals, a very enjoyable read.

Reviewed by Marilyn Heyman
Posted August 30, 2001

Summary

The War Between the States may be over for the rest of the country, but not for Kit Weston. Disguised as a boy, she's come to New York City to kill Baron Cain, the man who stands between her and Risen Glory, the South Carolina home she loves. But unknown to Kit, the Yankee war hero is more than her most bitter enemy-he's also her guardian. And he'll be a lot harder to kill than she's figured on...

Believing that Kit's a boy, Cain offers the grubby rapscallion a job in his stable. But he has no idea what he's in for, and it'snot long before the hero of Missionary Ridge discovers the truth. His scamp of a stable boy is a strong-willed, violet-eyed beauty who's hell-bent on driving him crazy.

Two hard-headed, passionate people .... Two stubborn opponents with tender souls.... Sometimes wars of the heart can only be won through the sweetest of surrenders.