Overview

It is 1875 in Texas, and Albert Waters takes pride in his image-prosperous merchant and plantation owner who freed slaves before the Civil War and gave them land afterward. Then his son Toby, ready to depart for Harvard Medical College, demands answers. Was his mother a slave? Al and the Waters plantation co-operative of freedmen create a thriving community as they educate their children and work their land. They organize against political forces trying to regain control through rape, lynchings, and the rise of the KKK. Al finds new life when Amelia arrives to rekindle their long-ago love. In the rapidly changing world swirling around him, Albert must confront the image he holds of himself if he wants to keep Toby and Amelia, the two people he loves most.

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9781644565131

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Discover Myra McLlvain 5 Stars I devoured her trilogy on Indianola, TX, and all the characters she draws. I highly recommend to anyone interested in 19th C Texas, the story of German immigration to Texas, or anyone simply interested in a good story! - Becky H, TX, Amazon Reviewer A wonderful account of love and life's challenges in late 19th century Texas 5 Stars Myra McIlvain writes wonderful Texas historical fiction. This is her third book involving two German immigrant sisters faced with the struggles and challenges not only in a foreign country, but also in Texas. I have enjoyed all three of her offerings in this series! Waters Plantation takes place after the Civil War during and after Reconstruction. It is a story of racial conflicts, relationships of parents and their offspring, mixed race and out-of-wedlock births, and a community of people, both black and white, working together cooperatively for the benefit of all. A love relationship renewed after years of separation is a major story line throughout; their delight with each other, and at times their concern for each other, is clearly portrayed and palpable. The author's writing is compelling, making one want to keep reading to the end. Her detailed descriptions transport the reader to the action at hand and to the days of horse and buggy when traveling is arduous and potentially dangerous. The dialogue between characters and their own thoughts are key elements that develop them well and bring them to life. Furthermore, Ms. McIlvain is a true historian of Texas, referencing real events and places, and her Source list at the end conveys her extensive research efforts. This is an interesting and wonderful account of Texas in the late 1800s, its people, and their way of life. I recommend it highly. lakelover, Amazon Reviewer Texas Saga Continued 5 Stars Myra Hargrove McIlvain does not disappoint with her continued historical fiction saga of 19th century German immigrants to Texas. She delivered just what I had anticipated. My curiosity about the lives of former Indianola, Texas, residents Amelia Stein and her sister Helga was satisfied. At the same time, McIvain's glimpse into Central Texas life following the Civil War enabled me to experience vicariously the prejudices and challenges of the time. This is a must-read for Stein House and The Doctor's Wife readers. Stephalirt, Amazon Reviewer A different view of Reconstruction 5 Stars There was a part of Texas that held a different view from the South. Blacks and whites come together to make their county a better place, but not without conflict and heartbreak. McIlvain's account shines a new light on what it takes to make us strong together. A love story between man and woman, father and son. A good read!-- Mary Bryan Stafford, author of A Wasp in the Fig Tree and The Last Whippoorwill Excellent storytelling 5 Stars Every book of Myra's is so good. Her books are equal to the other greats like Debbie Macomber and Fern Michaels. I highly recommend this and the first one Doctor's Wife. Amazon Reviewer A Must Read 5 Stars I thoroughly enjoyed this historical novel. The story was engaging, as were the characters, and I learned some things about post-Civil War Texas history that I didn't know. It's great when learning can happen in such an enjoyable environment as fiction. Maryann, Amazon Reviewer

Author Information

Myra Hargrave McIlvain is a sixth generation Texan and a storyteller who began her career writing a family humor column while she raised her two children. After the nest emptied, her background in Texas history led to Austin where she wrote Texas historical markers that line the highways, designate historic homes, and chronicle the lives of cemetery residents.McIlvain's love of a good story prompted her to write six nonfiction books about famous and infamous Texas sites and characters. Her most recent, Texas Tales, Stories that Shaped a Landscape and a People, is a collection of 113 of her favorite Texas history blog posts.After several years offering Texas seminars, Myra and her husband began taking her classes on one-day historic trips that led to a worldwide tour business. When she retired, McIlvain lectured for the continuing education program at the University of Texas and other venues across the state. She published her first historical fiction in 2012 and is currently working on her fifth, The Reluctant Bride.Whether she is telling stories in her books, her blogs, or her lectures, Myra McIlvain views history as the story of a people, and the people she knows best have made Texas home.

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