Hi Ladies - My novel "Kate's Pride" got reviewed in this month's Historical Novel Society online reviews. I've pasted it below, but for those of you interested in going to the website, here it is: www.historicalnovelsociety.org

KATE’S PRIDE
Renee Russell, Wings ePress, 2007, $11.95, pb, 335pp, 1597059188
Kate Randsome is a headstrong young woman living on her family’s farm with her brother, George. Both of their parents died during the Civil War, grief-stricken because of their two sons killed in battle. Kate is tied to her home in Tennessee, and George wants to leave. When George hires Michael to help work the farm, he sees a way out—if Kate and Michael fall in love and marry, he can pursue his dream and move West. Unfortunately, Kate becomes pregnant before they marry. George and Michael both abandon her, and she is shunned by her family and her community. The only people who accept her are a family of freed slaves, who give her a place to live when nobody else will help her.
Russell does a good job exploring the complex racial and sexual politics of the post-Civil War South, particularly the assumptions that everyday people made about an unmarried mother. Though the novel is called Kate’s Pride, it’s really about Kate’s redemption and her struggle against a society that misunderstands her and the decisions she has made. Having a child out of wedlock allows Kate to follow her personal morals and beliefs rather than those of her community, but it also leads the townsfolk to believe that she is a woman of loose morals who is willing to bed any man who asks.
The dilemma of sharecroppers in the post-Civil War economy also plays a role in the novel, and Russell has done her research in this area. The descriptions of cotton farming are particularly vivid. Readers who enjoy historical women’s fiction, particularly stories where a woman goes against societal standards to forge her own path, will enjoy Kate’s Pride.
-- Nanette Donohue

Whoo-hoo!! Congrats Reneee!!

Kathy

WTG Renee,
I have your book, now all I need is the time to read it. Its on my list though! Congrats...I know you are very proud; rightfully so.

Renee, what a great review. Congratulations!

Renee...awesome review...take a deep breath and bask in the joy of it!

That is fantastic Renee!
I'm so happy for you!

Congratulations Renee. That's a nice review.
Laurel

What a great review! Congratulations...sounds like a really interesting read.

Awesome review Renee...I would like a signed copy of your book. PM me with where to send the check please.

Congratulations, Renee. Way to go!