"solid Civil War romance"

Growing up on a Texas plantation, the son of the overseer Bowie Beckett loved the owner's daughter Maria Taylor. However, though she followed him around the spread, he knew she was out of reach.

During the Civil War Bowie runs the northern blockade that enables him to bring cotton to the market and in turn finance the Confederacy. His father feels Bowie is a coward for not joining the military and makes it clear publicly how he feels about his son.

By 1863, Maria is no longer a pampered belle of the south as she keeps the books and even works in the fields. When he learns of the plot that Lance Webster has for Maria to further his own well being, Bowie intercedes. However, the rescue has just begun as the Union Army, Confederate bandits, and their families seek the fleeing duo, who allow their love for one another to surface.

MIDNIGHT SILK is a solid Civil War romance that brings to life the diverse opinions that further divided the Confederate side of the conflict. Bowie's dad Sam cannot see how courageous his son is by supporting the effort in as dangerous an occupation as soldiering. The story line is fast-paced and action packed, but it is the star-crossed lead protagonists that turn on the romance inside a vivid historical tale.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted June 25, 2003

Summary

During their childhood, one girl devotedly followed Bowie Beckett everywhere; in turn, he teased the plantation owner's daughter unmercifully and loved her from afar. But now she is a beautiful woman and his boyhood feelings are a man's passion—a forbidden passion he fears can only lead to ruin for them both.

Maria adored one man all her life, a man society dictated she could never have. She will survive bandits, outrun Yankees, flaunt her well-turned ankle—anything to capture Bowie. For though his words are harsh, she sees desire in his eyes. And Maria chooses to herald Bowie's taunts as a challenge—one to be overcome by a woman's love.