Roswell Redemption by Cindi Crane ~ review

• Paperback: 282 pages
• Publisher: Outskirts Press (November 29, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1432780905
• ISBN-13: 978-1432780906

This book is also available as an e-book as well as an audio book.

To purchase a copy of "Roswell Redemption" click here.

Publication Date: November 29, 2011

Two Remarkable Women Bound by History ... Jade Hawkins, the thirteen-year-old daughter of a prominent Cherokee family, is content with her life. Her family is successful, and she has a proud heritage to support and guide her. But this is Georgia in 1838, and Jade cannot guess how the actions of the government will tear her life apart. The Hawkins plantation is lost to David Greyson, who wins the property in the Georgia Land Lottery. Jade's family is destroyed, and she is forced to stay with the new white owner. But although Jade is at the mercy of forces she cannot control, her extraordinary inner resources drive her to accomplishments she wouldn't have thought possible, and sacrifices she is honored to make for the sake of her children. Her strength and determination change the histories of several families. In 2010, Jade's legacy intertwines with the destiny of Carolyn Kane, who is looking for a property where she can open an event facility in Roswell, Georgia. Carolyn finds Greyson Manor, Jade's ancestral home, which is one of the few original plantations in the area. However, she finds that the owners are unwilling to renovate or sell. As Carolyn tries to persuade the Greysons to sell the property to her, she uncovers a secret that will change the citizens of Roswell forever. Vividly characterized and meticulously researched, Roswell Redemption takes the reader on a journey to the sorrows of the Cherokee Nation, and celebrates the triumphs of two women who act with integrity and passion to transcend injustice.

My take on this book:

Carolyn Kane and her friend Kacey are scouring Roswell, Georgia in the hopes of finding the perfect location to open a restaurant  When Caroline is told about Greyson Manor one of the original plantation homes in the area it sounds perfect. When her realtor approaches the Greyson heirs Christina and Daniel they turn her down. Christina is unhappy with her job in New York though and decides to come home and turn the Manor into a museum and a place to hold events. When Frank Johnson, the person who lives next door to Greyson Manor, approaches them about a job and shares with them several pages of a journal from the mid 1800's written by a Cherokee woman named Jade they have no idea what they are going to read. The secrets that Jade reveals in the pages of her journals will change Greyson history forever!

"Roswell Redemption" by Cindi Crane effortlessly takes the reader on a historical journey to the mid 1800's while also keeping a firm hold on the present. The author easily transitions between past and present,creating an interesting story of Carolyn Kane and the planning and creation of her restaurant Southern Charm. For me though it was the historical journey that sheds light on Native American race relations during the mid 1800's  and the story of Jade Hawkins that held me mesmerized. While I read a lot of historical fiction, I don't think I have ever felt the emotions I felt as I read Jade's story. At the age of thirteen her life was turned upside down when the government decides that they want the Shawnee gone, and give their land away by lottery. The Hawkins family was a prominent Shawnee family,who had a beautiful plantation home, but had it taken away and given to David Greyson. Jade lost so much more than land, she lost her family as well, and was forced to keep the secrets of her abuser David. Her journals though allowed her secrets to come to light over 100 years later. Anyone who enjoys accurate historical fiction will love "Roswell Redemption." History comes to life in the pages of this story, in addition to The Trail of Tears, the author also takes us thru the period of the civil war, painting a picture of the tumultuous times the south faced then. Overall, I found this story a compelling read, the author creates memorable characters whose stories literally jump of the pages of the book.  A great story that has whetted my appetite for more history from that time-period. I would easily say this is one of my favorite reads this year!

Reviewed for Readersfavorite.com